Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Birth control pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy. They do this by preventing ovulation, preventing sperm from passing through the cervix, and making the uterine wall inadmissible for implantation. If you have never used contraceptives before and want to know if you are using them correctly (this is crucial for maximum effectiveness), wikiHow is here to help. Just start at Step 1.

To step

1. Read the instructions. You should always start by reading the instructions for the pill. Each pill has different requirements.With some pills you have to start at a specific time, and others you have to take at specific times. Start by reading the instructions, then move on to the next steps.
2. Do not smoke. Smoking makes taking the pill extremely dangerous for your health. The combination of both puts you at an increased risk of blood clots, which can easily kill you. If you smoke, quit. Even sporadic smoking for fun can be dangerous. If you don't smoke, don't start.
3. Start taking the pill. You can start it whenever you want, but most women start it when they have their period. This way they prevent them from disrupting the normal menstrual cycle. When you start taking the pill, use a different method of contraception until the next period to ensure 100 percent safe sex. By the way, you should generally be protected by the pill within a week. For example, you can start swallowing at the following times:
   • On the first day of your period.
   • On the Sunday after your period starts. This ensures that future periods will always occur during the week, and not on weekends.
   • On the fifth day of your period.
4. Take the pill at the same time every day. You can take the pill in the morning or in the evening, but most women find it easiest in the evening. This is how it becomes part of their bedtime routine, which is a lot less extensive than the morning routine. If you do not take the pill at the same time every day, you can experience spotting. You will also be less protected.
   • Turn on an alarm clock or alarm, or put the pill next to your toothbrush. This way you cannot forget the pill, even if you are quite forgetful.
5. Let your body get used to the hormones. Remember, you can experience symptoms of pregnancy during the first few months. This is because your body still has to get used to the hormones. Symptoms can be swollen breasts, sore nipples, breakthrough bleeding, nausea, etc. Certain types of birth control pills also prevent your period. So make sure you and your doctor have a crystal clear view of which pill you are taking, so that you know what to watch out for
   • You can buy a pregnancy test if it reassures you.
6. Watch for spotting. If you are taking a pill designed to prevent your monthly periods, look for spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Even pills that allow you to have your period can sometimes lead to spotting. This is normal. It takes a while for your body to get used to the new schedule. The spotting should be over within 6 months.
7. Try different pills if the first is not for you. Don't be afraid to try other brands of pills or other contraceptives. If you are tired of the symptoms of PMS or the side effects of the pill you are taking, ask your doctor about a different brand or pill. Besides the pill, there is also a variety of other contraceptives, some of which are even more reliable. Some other contraceptives also have fewer side effects or disadvantages.
8. Never try to miss a pill, but make up for a missed pill if you do. If you forget a pill, take it again as soon as possible. Take the next pill again at the normal time. If you forget to take more than two pills, consider using extra contraception for the next week / month (this depends on how far along your cycle is). If you forget even one pill at the beginning of the pill cycle, you should already use backup protection - do it for at least a week.
   • No matter how many pills you forget, it is probably wise to use another form of contraception until your next period.
   • If you are taking the mini-pill (instead of sequential or combination pills), it is extremely important that you take your pill at the same time every day. Just a few hours of difference can ensure that you can get pregnant.
9. If you are sick, consider alternative options. Use a different contraceptive if you are sick and have vomiting and diarrhea. This is because the pill may not have remained in the gastrointestinal tract long enough to be effective. Antibiotics don't make the pill any less effective, but drugs for tuberculosis do.
10. Pay close attention to negative reactions to the drug. Stop taking the pill if you develop jaundice, stomach pain, chest pain, leg pain, severe headache, or eye problems. Be extra vigilant if you smoke. It is probably best to quit smoking altogether while taking the pill. Both smoking and the pill increase the risk of complications, such as blood clots.

Tips

• Some brands of birth control pills can also be used as a morning after pill. Read the instructions on the recipe, or check the manufacturer's website to see if yours can do that too.
• Always discuss this with your healthcare providers if you are taking the pill, or if you have taken a morning after pill. This also includes healthcare providers that you do not expect so quickly, such as the dentist.

Warnings

• Don't be afraid to take the pill. Birth control pills pose a lot less risk than pregnancy.