The Birth Control Pill: Understanding Its Effectiveness and Safe Use

How the Pill Works

The birth control pill is a reliable form of contraception, with a 99% effectiveness rate when taken correctly. It achieves this by:

• Stopping ovulation

<li,thickening cervical=”” mucus<=”” li=””>

• Making the uterus less hospitable to sperm

</li,thickening>

There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, while progestin-only pills are suitable for those who cannot take estrogen.

Taking the Pill Correctly

To ensure the pill is as effective as possible, it’s crucial to:

• Take it at the same time every day
• Develop a routine to prevent missed doses and minimize the risk of pregnancy

For progestin-only pills, it’s essential to take them within the same 3-hour window every day.

What Happens When You Miss a Pill

While it’s essential to take the pill daily, missing a dose can happen. If you:

• Miss one combination pill, you’re safe without a backup contraceptive
• Miss one progestin-only pill or more than one consecutive combination pill, use a condom or abstain from sex for the next week

Common Mistakes That Can Reduce the Pill’s Effectiveness

Be aware of the following mistakes that can reduce the pill’s effectiveness:

• Skiping a day or taking pills at random times
• Taking certain medications, such as Rifampin and Griseofulvin, that can interact with birth control pills
• Taking St. John’s wort, an herb used to treat depression and menopause symptoms, which can contribute to irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding when taken with birth control pills

Habits to Keep Your Birth Control Working

To minimize the risk of pregnancy, remember to:

• Take the pill daily, including placebo pills
• Set a reminder to ensure you don’t forget
• Use multiple methods of contraception, such as condoms or diaphragms
• Avoid taking medications that can interact with birth control pills

Surprising Benefits of Birth Control

Research has shown that taking the pill can actually help women conceive through IVF. Additionally, the pill can mask menstrual irregularities that may make it difficult to conceive.

What to Do If You Think You’re Pregnant

If you suspect you’re pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test to confirm. If you’re pregnant, stop taking the pill, but don’t worry – it’s not known to cause any fetal development issues.

Remember: While the birth control pill is highly effective, it’s not perfect. By understanding how it works and taking it correctly, you can minimize the risk of pregnancy. If you do get pregnant on the pill, don’t panic – simply stop taking it and consult your doctor.