Hendrix Clinic and Counseling Center

What is it?

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives or “the pill”, generally contain two hormones called estrogen and progesterone.  Birth control pills work by thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg and often prevent women from ovulating.  Many women prefer to use birth control pills to decrease period cramps and decrease the amount of bleeding with periods.

How do I use it?

• Birth control pills are quite small and easy to swallow  
• Pills need to be taken at about the same time everyday 
• Most pill packs have 4 weeks of pills (28 tablets) and usually the 4th week is when your period will occur

How effective is it?

If birth control pills are taken perfectly (not missing any pills and following the instructions perfectly) about 1 in 1,000 women will become pregnant in the first year of use.  The pill therefore is 99.9% effective.

What are the advantages?

• Does not interrupt sexual activity
• Menstrual benefits

• Decreases cramps
• Decreases amount of bleeding
• May decrease PMS symptoms

• Prevents – ovarian cysts & ovarian and uterine cancer
• Improvement of acne

What are the disadvantages?

• Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS
• Must take the pill every day
• Prescription needed

What are the risks or side effects?

Risks:

• Blood clot in legs, lungs, eyes, head or elsewhere in the body
• Heart attack or stroke – your risk of having a stroke is increased if you are smoking and using the pill, especially if you are over age 35
• Liver tumors – rare
• Increase in blood pressure
• Gallbladder disease

Side effects:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Headaches
• May increase or decrease depression
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Intolerance to contact lenses