The birth control pill is an effective, convenient, and safe way for women to avoid unwanted pregnancies, giving them control over their reproductive health. However, those who are using the pill for the first time may be overwhelmed by everything they need to learn.
Here are some tips for making your oral birth control pill experience as smooth as possible.
Find Out When You Can Expect Protection
The amount of time it takes for your pill to offer you protection from pregnancy depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle when you start taking it and the type of pill. There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills that contain estrogen and progestin and a progestin-only pill.
With the combination pill, you can expect immediate protection if you begin taking it within five days of your period. However, if you start taking it in the middle of your cycle, your doctor may recommend that you use backup contraception for anywhere from 7 to 14 days depending on the brand of pill you are taking.
Those taking progestin-only pills, however, can enjoy protection after 48 hours of starting the pill regardless of the point they are in their menstrual cycle. Your doctor should explain this to you when they prescribe the pill, but be sure to ask any questions you may have about the timing of your pill’s effectiveness. You should also find out what steps to take if you miss a pill as this varies by brand.
Give Your Body Time to Adjust
Birth control pills release hormones into your bloodstream, and you may notice some changes as your body adjusts. For example, some women may experience spotting or even bleeding between periods. This is a natural reaction to introducing the hormones and is not normally a cause for concern.
However, if you experience any type of symptom that has a negative impact on your quality of life, contact your gynecologist to find out if it could be related to your pill.
It takes many women two to three months to get used to a new birth control pill. But sometimes a pill is simply the wrong fit for a woman’s body chemistry. In this case, it is often recommended to try a different type of birth control pill with a different combination of hormones to see if it works better for you. Your doctor can guide you through this process and help you find a suitable solution.
Start Taking the Pill on the Last Day of Your Period
You can begin taking birth control at any point in your cycle, but some doctors recommend beginning the first pill on the Sunday after your start your period. This is considered ideal timing because the pill should start working right away, unless your body mass index is 30 or greater.
Nevertheless, many physicians suggest continuing to use condoms while taking the first pack of birth control pills as you are more likely to forget to take a pill as you adjust to your new routine.
Additionally, keep in mind that birth control pills do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections, so you should only give up condoms when you are having sex with someone whose health status you trust.
Consider Taking Your Pill in the Evening
The most important thing you can do to ensure you get maximum protection against pregnancy is to take your birth control pill at the same time every day. Choosing the right time from the start makes it far easier to establish a routine and stick with it.
Many women find that taking their birth control pill in the evening after dinner works well. First, like many other medications, taking it with food or right after eating can reduce the chances of experiencing nausea and other unpleasant side effects.
It also means that if you are one of the few women who does experience nausea from your birth control pill, you will likely sleep through it. Moreover, by making it part of a post-dinner routine like brushing your teeth, you are less likely to forget it.
Your birth control pill’s effectiveness will decrease if you take it at different times of the day, so choosing something that happens every day, like eating dinner, provides you with a good time marker to signal it is time to take your pill. Many women also find that setting an alarm on their phone as a reminder really helps them stay compliant.
Schedule an Appointment With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness
If you would like to learn more about oral birth control pills, reach out to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to learn more about your available options, schedule an appointment, and find the right solution to meet your needs.