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Birth Control Pill: How to Use the Pill

The birth control pill or the oral contraceptive pill (or just "the pill") is one of the most popular and effective methods to prevent pregnancy. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) is the most commonly used type of birth control pill. This tiny tablet contains two hormones - estrogen and progestin. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation of the egg.

When used correctly, the combined oral contraceptive pill offers a high degree of effectiveness, along with additional benefits like regulating periods, reducing acne, and alleviating menstrual cramps.

If you're considering starting the COC pill or want to ensure you're using it effectively, this guide will cover everything you need to know - from when to begin, how to take it, considerations after childbirth, and special circumstances that might affect its efficacy.

 

Key Takeaways

  • For the best protection, start taking the pill on the first day of your period. You can also begin within the first five days of your cycle without needing extra contraception. However, if you start at any other time, you’ll need to use additional precautions, like condoms, for the first seven days.

  • To ensure the pill works with maximum effectiveness, take it every day at the same time. Setting reminders can help you stay on track. Missing a pill for more than 24 hours may reduce its effectiveness, so sticking to a routine is important.

  • Certain medications can make the birth control pill less effective. Always let your doctor know about any medicines or supplements you are using so they can guide you on the safest options.

  • If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait six weeks before starting the pill. If you’re not breastfeeding and don’t have any known risks for blood clots, you can start three weeks after childbirth, upon consultation with your doctor.

 

Before starting the birth control pill

Before starting the birth control pill, it is important to make sure you're not pregnant. If you're unsure, it is a good idea to take a high-sensitivity urine pregnancy test (HSUPT). This test can help confirm that you're not pregnant, especially if your periods are irregular or infrequent. it is always better to be safe and rule out pregnancy before beginning any form of birth control.

When to start using the birth control pill

When to start using the birth control pill

Once you're certain you're not pregnant, the ideal time to start the pill is on the first day of your period. This timing gives you immediate protection against pregnancy. Starting on the first day or first five days of your period ensures that the pill starts working right away, without the need for extra protection. However, if you begin taking the pill at any other time in your cycle, it is important to use extra protection, like condoms, during sex for the first seven days.

How to take the birth control pill

Taking the birth control pill is easy once you get into the routine. All you need to do is take one pill every day, either before or after a meal. What's most important is taking it at the same time every day. Pick a time that fits with your schedule - maybe right after breakfast or before bed. Setting a reminder on your phone can help you stay on track.

Brands with 21 active pills per pack

How to take the birth control pill Brands with 21 active pills per pack Brands with 24 active pills per pack
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Some brands come in packs of 21 active pills that contain hormones. Occasionally, the pack might also include 7 inactive pills that don’t contain hormones.

Once you finish the 21 active pills, take a 7-day break. If your pack includes inactive pills, take those during this break. During these seven days, you might experience bleeding that feels like a period- this is normal and is called “withdrawal bleeding.”

When the 7-day break is over, start the next pack, even if you’re still bleeding or the bleeding hasn’t started yet. The goal is to keep the schedule consistent to stay protected.

Brands with 24 active pills per pack

Brands with 24 active pills per pack
Image by Freepik

Some birth control pill brands come with 24 active pills containing hormones. Occasionally, the pack might also include 4 inactive pills that don’t contain hormones.

After completing the 24 active pills, take the 4 inactive pills. Just like the 21-pill pack, you might experience withdrawal bleeding during these 4 days, which is a normal response to the temporary break from hormones.

When the 4-day break is over, start the next pack, even if you’re still bleeding or the bleeding hasn’t started yet.

Using birth control pills after childbirth

Using birth control pills after childbirth

The timing for starting the combined oral contraceptive pill after childbirth depends on whether you're breastfeeding or not. The pill's effect can vary based on your body’s recovery and needs, so it is important to take the right approach.

If you're breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait at least six weeks before starting the pill. During this time, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to start using the pill. Your doctor might also suggest alternative methods of birth control to use during this waiting period to ensure you're still protected from pregnancy.

If you're not breastfeeding, you can generally start the pill three weeks after childbirth, but only if you have no additional risk factors for blood clots, such as being immobile after birth or having had complications during pregnancy or delivery. If you have any of these risk factors, it is safer to wait for six weeks before starting the pill. Make sure to discuss your situation with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to use the birth control pill.

Taking other medications or supplements while using the pill

Taking other medications or supplements while using the pill Medicines That Can Reduce the Pill’s Effectiveness How the Pill Can Impact Other Medicines Antibiotics and the Birth Control Pill

Certain medications and even over-the-counter supplements can impact the effectiveness of the birth control pill. It is important to understand these interactions to make sure your contraception works as intended.

Medicines That Can Reduce the Pill’s Effectiveness

Some medications, called enzyme inducers, can interfere with how the pill works. These include treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV. If you’re taking any of these, the pill’s effectiveness might be reduced, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy.

How the Pill Can Impact Other Medicines

The birth control pill doesn’t just get affected by other medications can also affect them. For instance, it can reduce the effectiveness of lamotrigine, a medicine used for epilepsy. In cases like this, the doctor may suggest an alternative method of birth control that doesn’t interfere with your treatment.

Antibiotics and the Birth Control Pill

For years, there was a belief that antibiotics could make the pill less effective, but newer research shows that most antibiotics don’t cause any issues. The only exceptions are antibiotics that act as enzyme inducers or cause severe vomiting or diarrhoea. In such cases, using a backup method like condoms is a good precaution.

Before starting on the pill, make sure to tell the doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you’re using, even ones you buy over the counter. This helps the doctor identify any potential interactions and suggest adjustments if needed. If you start any new medications later, ask the doctor whether they could affect your birth control.

In situations where certain medicines significantly interfere with the pill, the doctor might recommend switching to a more reliable long-term birth control method, especially if the medicine you’re taking is essential for your health.

After starting on the birth control pill

After starting on the birth control pill Protection against STIs Side Effects skipping periods after the pill
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  • Vomiting or Severe Diarrhea: If you vomit within two hours of taking your pill or experience prolonged diarrhea, the pill may not be absorbed properly. Take another pill as soon as possible and use backup contraception if needed.

  • Missed Pills: Missing multiple pills significantly reduces protection. Follow the instructions in your pill pack or seek medical advice on how to proceed.

Skipping Periods with the Pill

If you want to skip your period, you can do so by skipping the placebo pills (or break days) and starting a new pack of active pills immediately. This is safe for most individuals but consult your doctor before making any changes to your regimen.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes, which typically subside within 1-3 months. However, if these symptoms affect your day-to-day life, consult a doctor. If you notice any severe changes, then you should get immediate medical attention.

Protection against STIs

It is important to note that the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using a condom along with the pill can provide dual protection against pregnancy and STIs.

Conclusion

Understanding how to start, take, and manage the birth control pill is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness as a birth control method. Adhering to a consistent daily schedule and being mindful of interactions with other medications or health conditions are key steps in ensuring your protection.

Whether you’re transitioning from other birth control methods or starting on birth control after childbirth, consulting a doctor for personalized advice can help tailor your birth control plan to your lifestyle and health needs. This not only enhances effectiveness but also safeguards your reproductive health against unintended pregnancies.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I start the birth control pill on any day of my menstrual cycle?

    Yes, but if it is not within the first five days of your cycle, you’ll need additional protection during sex, such as condoms, for the first seven days.

  • What should I do if I miss a pill?

    If you take the pill more than 24 hours late, it is considered a missed pill. Refer to specific guidelines on managing missed pills, or consult your doctor for advice.

  • Are antibiotics safe to take with birth control pills?

    Most antibiotics don’t affect the pill’s effectiveness. However, antibiotics that are enzyme inducers or those causing severe vomiting/diarrhea may reduce effectiveness.

  • Can certain medications reduce the pill's effectiveness?

    Yes, enzyme inducers (used for conditions like epilepsy or tuberculosis) can lower effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about other medications or supplements you’re taking.

  • How do I switch to birth control pills from another contraceptive method?

    The transition process varies depending on the previous method used. Consult your doctor for specific guidance to avoid gaps in protection.

 

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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Learn everything about starting, taking, and managing birth control pills effectively. Discover guidelines for first-time use, post-childbirth, missed pills, and interactions with medications to ensure optimal contraceptive protection.

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