| Basic Information |
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| Description |
- The goal of contraception (or birth control) is to prevent an unplanned
pregnancy. The majority of methods of contraception enable sexually active
couples to temporarily avoid pregnancy. Permanent birth control is accomplished
through sterilization. Be sure you know and understand the different types
of birth control available to you, the risks and benefits of each, and any
side effects, so that you can make an informed choice.
- Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation (release of a ripened egg from the
ovary) and therefore make pregnancy unlikely or impossible. There are three
types of contraceptive pills: combination, sequential, and daily progestogen.
The combination type, combining both estrogen and a synthetic progestogen,
are the most popular and the most effective. At present, oral contraceptives
other than the combination type are infrequently prescribed and then only
for special reasons.
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| Advantages |
- Effective, with lowest failure rate of any nonpermanent method-less than
0.1 pregnancy per 100 women per year, if all pills are taken as prescribed.
- Freedom from fear of pregnancy.
- Spontaneity of sexual experiences.
- Regulation and less painful menstrual periods.
- Decrease in the amount of menstrual bleeding in most women.
- No increase in risk of breast cancer and decrease in risk of initiating
benign breast disease.
- Less likelihood of anemia or arthritis.
- Decrease in incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Decrease in incidence of cancer of the lining of the uterus.
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| Disadvantages |
- There are many conditions that might prevent your taking the pill. Your
doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination
prior to prescribing oral contraceptives. If any of the conditions are present
that preclude prescribing the pill, another form of birth control will be
recommended.
- There may be other side effects from the pill. Many of these occur rarely
and, even when they do, will frequently decrease in severity with passage
of time. Most patients experience no side effects at all. Side effect may
include enlargement of fibroid tumors (leiomyomas); breast fullness or tenderness;
increase of serum copper and iron levels; alteration of thyroid tests as if
you were pregnant; fluid retention; missed periods; acne; mild headache; high
blood pressure (hypertension); thrombophlebitis-less likely with pills with
minimum estrogen content and in non-smokers; impairment of glucose tolerance;
weight gain; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; stroke (rare); depression or easy
mood shifts; change in sex drive (may be more or less); decrease in levels
of some vitamins and minerals (as in pregnancy); elevation of triglycerides
and cholesterol; increase in incidence of gall stones; depigmentation of areas
of the skin, made worse by sun exposure; increased likelihood of vaginal yeast
infection, with itching and discharge.
- Will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A form of
barrier protection will need to be used.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
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Note: Use a second contraceptive method during your first cycle of pills-otherwise
you will be inadequately protected.
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Combination pills:
- Count the first sign of your menstrual cycle as day 1.
- On day 5, begin taking one pill each day. Pick a time that suits you and
stick to it as your routine.
- Continue taking the pills for 21 days.
- Stop taking the pills for seven days.
- Begin taking pills again for the next cycle after these seven days, no
matter when menstrual bleeding begins or ends.
- If you forget a combination pill take it as soon as you remember. Take the
next pill at the regular time (with very low dose pills, another form of contraception
should be used for the remainder of the cycle).
- If you forget two days in a row, take two pills as soon as you remember
and two pills the next day. Also, for the remainder of this cycle, use an
additional form of contraception: condom, foam, jellies, diaphragms, and so
on.
- If you forget for three or more days, stop taking any pills, wait 7 days,
then start on a brand new packet. Use another form of contraception for a
month. Note: Some packets come with 28 pills. Follow instructions on the package.
Mini-pills:
Note: Use a second method of contraception during your first complete cycle-otherwise
you will be inadequately protected.
- Start on day five as explained above, but continue to take a pill every
day without interruption.
- If you forget a mini-pill, take two as soon as you remember, but use an
additional contraception method for three or four weeks.
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| Medication |
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Do not use any medicines, even those you buy without prescription, before discussing
them with your doctor. Carefully follow the instructions on any prescription.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You experience increased frequency, amount, or duration of menstruation.
- You experience pain during intercourse or bleeding afterward.
- You have a sensation of pressure on your bladder or rectum.
- You develop pain and swelling in the calf of your leg, or any unusual leg
pains.
- You develop severe chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Your blood pressure goes up.
- You develop symptoms of gallbladder disease: upper abdominal pain, fever,
jaundice, nausea.
- You have any signs or symptoms that make you suspect pregnancy.
- You see flashing lights or blurred images, or your ability to see decreases.
- You develop severe, throbbing headache.
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