Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Birth control pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy in several ways, depending on what type of drug it is. The "combination" oral contraceptive will prevent an egg from being released from the ovary, thicken uterine mucus to prevent sperm from entering the cervix, as well as narrow the urine pathways to prevent sperm from fertilizing. The "minipill oral contraceptive" also thickens mucus in the uterus and narrows the urinary tract. Also prevents ovulation. While the generic term is "Birth control pills", there are actually several types of birth control pills. If you have never used birth control pills before and you want to make sure you are taking it the right way (especially if it has to be effective), wikiHow is here to help.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Choosing a Pill

1. 

   
   
   Consult with your healthcare provider to learn about options. There are many safe and effective birth control methods available for women. Oral contraceptive pills are extremely popular and cheap, so this is a pretty attractive choice for women. However, depending on your needs, your health, and your pre-existing health conditions, only certain options are right for you, so discuss your contraceptive needs with your healthcare provider. Your job is extremely necessary.
   • There are two main types of oral contraceptive pills. Pillets for drink combined Use of two hormones: estrogen and progestin. Another, called a "minipill," uses only the hormone progestin.
   • Combination oral contraceptive pills are also available in two types. Birth control pills one stage contain approximately equal doses of the hormones estrogen and progestin. And birth control pills many time then there are hormones that change according to each certain stage.
   • Combination oral contraceptive pills are also available in a "low dose" type. This oral tablet contains less than 50 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. Women who are sensitive to hormones, especially estrogen, can use this low-dose oral contraceptive very effectively. However, the low-dose oral contraceptive pill causes more bleeding during menstruation.

2. 

   
   
   Consider your own health. Combination pills are usually prescribed, but are not always suitable for all women. It is the doctor and yourself who will make the final decision. However, if you are in one of the following conditions, your doctor may recommend that you not use combination oral contraceptive pills:
   • You are breastfeeding
   • You are over 35 years old and you smoke
   • You have high blood pressure
   • You have a history of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
   • You have a history of breast cancer
   • You have a history of heart disease or stroke
   • You have a medical complication related to diabetes
   • You have liver or kidney disease
   • You have bleeding in the urinary tract or vagina for unknown reasons
   • You have a history of blood clots
   • You have lupus erythematosus
   • You have migraine with a brief warning
   • You need surgery and be immobile for a long time
   • You are taking St. Antidepressants. John's wort, anticonvulsants, or anti-tuberculosis drugs
   • Your doctor may not recommend minipill if you have breast cancer, have unexplained bleeding in the urine or vagina, or are taking anticonvulsants or anti-tuberculosis medications.

3. 

   
   
   Consider the benefits of the combined oral contraceptive. Combination oral contraceptive pills bring many benefits, so it is an attractive choice for many women. However, it also carries some risks. When deciding which type of oral contraceptive pill is right for you, you should consider both. Benefits of the combined oral contraceptive include:
   • Highly effective contraception when used properly (99%)
     • About 8 in 100 women will remain pregnant in their first year of using the combined oral contraceptive due to improper use
   • Reduce abdominal pain during menstruation
   • Can prevent pelvic inflammatory disease
   • Reduced risk of ovarian cancer and endometriosis
   • Reduces the frequency and burden of the menstrual cycle
   • Improve acne disease
   • Can help improve osteoporosis
   • Decreased hormone production caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
   • Avoid pregnancy outside the womb
   • Reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia due to excessive bleeding during menstruation
   • Preventing breast and ovarian cysts

4. 

   The risks of the combined oral contraceptive pill should also be considered. Despite its many benefits, combination pills still have risks that you should discuss with your doctor. Most of these dangers are rare, but if they do, they are quite serious. More risks are more likely to increase if you have certain health conditions or if you smoke.Risks of using combination oral contraceptive pills include:
   • Sexually transmitted infections or HIV are not prevented (you must use a condom to prevent these risks)
   • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
   • Increased risk of blood clots
   • Increased risk of high blood pressure
   • Increased risk of liver tumors, gallstones or jaundice
   • Increased risk of breast pain
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Weight gain
   • Headache
   • Depression
   • Unusual bleeding

5. 

   Consider the benefits of the minipill oral contraceptive. Minipills, or progestin-only oral contraceptives, have less benefit than combined oral contraceptive pills. However, you should consult with your doctor to determine if minipill oral contraceptive pills are a good choice for you. The benefits of the minipill oral contraceptive include:
   • Can be used if you have certain health problems, such as blood clots, high blood pressure, migraine headaches or risk of heart disease
   • Can be used while breastfeeding
   • Reduce menstrual cramps
   • May help ease the menstrual cycle
   • Can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease

6. 

   Consider the risks of the minipill oral contraceptive pill. Although the risk of the minipill oral contraceptive is less than that of the synthetic oral contraceptive, it has rare but serious side effects when used. Consult with your doctor to consider whether the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks posed to you. The risks of minipill include:
   • Sexually transmitted infections or HIV are not prevented (you must use a condom to prevent these risks)
   • May be less effective than synthetic oral contraceptive pills
   • Use an alternative method of birth control if you forget to take the pill within 3 hours at the same time each day.
   • Menstruation (more frequent with minipills than with combination pills)
   • Chances of breast pain are more
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Increased risk of ovarian cysts
   • Slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy compared to taking synthetic tablets
   • Can cause more acne to appear
   • Weight gain
   • Depression
   • Unusual hair growth
   • Headache

7. 

   Consider your own wishes about menstruation. If you are healthy enough to take birth control pills, you have several options. If you choose a synthetic pill - a choice many women choose - then you can choose to reduce your menstrual cycle if you want.
   • Continuous dosing drugs, also known as menstrual prolongation pills, reduce the number of times you see periods each year. Sisters can reduce 4 times menstrual period in a year. Some people may not experience periods while taking the medicine.
   • Conventional oral contraceptive pills do not reduce the number of menstrual cycles. You will still have your period every month.

8. 

   Be aware that certain medications may interfere with the way birth control pills work. Your doctor can help you determine if taking any medications or supplements will interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Medications that are known to affect the effectiveness of the birth control hormone include:
   • Some antibiotics, including penicillin and tetracycline
   • Certain anticonvulsants
   • Certain drugs are used to treat HIV
   • Anti-tuberculosis drugs
   • St. antidepressants. John's wort

9. 

   Ask your doctor about any medications you will be taking. Before you decide to take a certain type of birth control pill, talk to your doctor about the medications and supplements you will take. Some medications can interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills, and others may also cause negative reactions and side effects. Be sure to consult if you are taking any of the following medications:
   • Thyroid hormone medicine
   • Sedative benzodiazepines (such as diazepam)
   • Prednisone anti-inflammatory drug
   • Tricyclic antidepressants
   • Beta inhibitors
   • Anticoagulants ("blood thinners" such as warfarin)
   • Insulin

Part 2 of 4: Starting Mechanism

1. 

   Follow your doctor's instructions. You must always follow the directions indicated or directed by a healthcare professional. Different types of birth control pills have different requirements. Some need to be started at a special time and others need to be taken at a certain time. Get started by reading the instructions then follow the next steps.
   • If you don't take the birth control pill as directed, it may not be as effective and you could still be pregnant.

2. 

   No smoking. Smoking while taking birth control pills is extremely dangerous to your health. They will work together to increase the risk of blood clots, easily causing you to die. Women over 35 years of age and who smoke should not use any combination contraceptive.
   • If you smoke, stop immediately. Even sometimes, social smoking can be extremely dangerous. If you don't smoke, don't smoke.

3. 

   Start taking medicine. Depending on what type of birth control pill you have been prescribed, you may need to start taking it at a certain time. Always ask your doctor how to start prescribing you. In general, you will have several options:
   • You can start combination pills on the first day of your period.
   • You can also start combination pills on the Sunday after your period begins.
   • If you have had a normal birth, you may have to wait three weeks before starting the combination pill.
   • You should wait until at least six weeks after giving birth before starting the combination pill if you are at high risk of blood clots or you are breast-feeding.
   • You can start the combination pill right away if you have had an abortion or miscarriage.
   • Always start a new pack of combined oral contraceptive pills on the same day of the week as when you took your first pack.
   • You can start the minipill (progestin-only) birth control pill at any time. If you plan to have vaginal sex during the first 48 hours of taking minipills, you should have a preventive method of birth control.
   • You must take the minipill oral contraceptive at the same time every day. Pick a time when you will always remember to take your medication, like when you wake up or right before you go to bed.
   • You can start the minipill right away if you have recently had an abortion or miscarriage.

4. 

   Understand that you are still capable of getting pregnant under certain circumstances. If you start taking birth control pills on the first day of your period, then it will be effective at protecting against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking the pill some other day, then you still have a chance of getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
   • If you start to take birth control pills on the Sunday after you start to experience your period, you should use a preventive contraceptive within 7 days.
   • If you start taking it at any other time, it may take up to a month for it to fully work.
   • To prevent pregnancy, if you do not start taking the pill within 5 days of the start of your period, you should use an alternative birth control method for the entire month, or take the pill for a full cycle.

Part 3 of 4: Taking Medications

1. 

   Take it at the same time of day. You can take it in the morning or at night, but most women find it easier to remember to take it at night because bedtime habits don't change as much as morning habits. If you cannot take the pill at the same time of day each day, you may experience spotting a small amount of blood and there will be no effective protection.
   • If you take birth control pills, you right take one tablet within 3 hours at the same time every day. If you are unable to do so, you must have a backup form of birth control within the next 48 hours. For example, if you normally take the pill at 8pm but forget to take it until midnight, then you should still take it but need to take extra preventive contraception, like condoms, within 48 next hour.
   • Setting an alarm in your phone to take your medicine or leaving it next to your toothbrush can help you remember if you're a forgetful person.
   • There are even mobile apps to remind you to take your medications, like myPill and Lady Pill Reminder apps.
   • Take the pill about half an hour after eating to avoid nausea.

2. 

   Know what medicine you are taking. Combination birth control pills come in different "stages". For some of them, the hormone levels in the drugs change throughout the month. If you are not taking a monophasic pill but taking a different type, you may need more instructions if you miss a pill, particularly the type of birth control pill you are taking.
   • Monophasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin in all the pills. If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. Still take the next day's pill normally. Examples of these medications include Ortho-cyclen, Seasonale, and Yaz.
   • The biphasic pill changes the estrogen and progestin dosage once a month. Examples of two-stage drugs include Kariva and Mircette Ortho-Novum 10/11.
   • The three-stage pill changes the estrogen and progestin dosage every 7 days during the first three weeks of taking the pill. Examples of three-stage oral pills include Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Enpresse, and Cyclessa.
   • The four-stage pill changes the dose of estrogen and progestin four times throughout the cycle. Natazia is the only four-stage oral contraceptive prescribed in the United States.

3. 

   Use combination pills according to the mechanism you choose. Combination pills can be used in regular or continuous doses (or in prolonged doses). Depending on which combination pill you choose, you may take several medications at different times of the month. See also your user guide.
   • For 21-day combination pills, you will take one pill every day at the same time for 21 days. For 7 days you will not take the medicine. You will usually get your period during this time. After 7 days you will start a new pack again.
   • For the 28-day combination pill, you will take one pill every day at the same time for 28 days. Some of these medications contain no hormones, or only estrogen. You will have a period of 4 to 7 days with these pills.
   • For three-month combination pills, take one pill at the same time each day. You will then take only one hormone-free or estrogen-only pill every day at the same time for 7 days. You will only have your period during these 7 days every three months.
   • For one-year combination pills, you will take one pill at the same time every day for the year. You may decrease the number of periods, or even stop your period during the year you take the pill.

4. 

   Let the body adapt to these hormones. Remember, you may experience symptoms such as pregnancy during the first month of the pill as your body adjusts to the hormone (swollen breasts, sensitive nipples, bleeding, nausea). Certain oral contraceptives can stop your period, so make sure you and your doctor both understand the medication you are taking so you can understand the consequences.
   • If you think you may be pregnant, you can use a home test. They still give accurate results even if you are taking birth control pills.

5. 

   Watch for bleeding. Watch for bleeding or bleeding (bleeding between periods) if you are taking pills that block monthly periods. Even the birth control pills that allow you to have a period each month can still lead to bleeding. This is a normal phenomenon. It takes time for your body to adjust to the new plan and bleeding should go away in no more than 6 months.
   • Bleeding or "bleeding" is a bonus phenomenon that occurs with low-dose combination drugs.
   • Bleeding is also common if you forget to take your pill one day or when you don't take it at the same time every day.

6. 

   Make sure you buy more medicine in time. You don't want to run out of pills, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor before You need to buy more medicine. You should usually schedule an appointment when you have only two packs of prescription medicine left.

7. 

   Try different birth control pills if the first one doesn't work for you. Don't be afraid to try different brands or other birth control methods. Consult your doctor about trying a new brand of birth control pill if you are uncomfortable with your pre-period symptoms or side effects of your medication. There are many birth control methods other than the pill, many of which can be easily applied.
   • Other forms of hormone use in birth control include combined estrogen and progestin patches and the vaginal ring.
   • Long-term, highly effective methods of contraception include an intrauterine device (IUD), an implantable contraceptive device, or an injection contraceptive.

8. 

   Pay attention to any negative side effects when taking the drug. Stop taking the medicine if you have jaundice, stomach pain, chest pain, leg pain, severe headache or eye problems. Pay special attention to any unusual problems if you smoke. It is best to quit while taking oral contraceptive pills. Smoking while taking birth control pills increases your risk of health complications, like blood clots.

9. 

   It is important to determine when to see the doctor. The oral contraceptive pill also has some risks. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor as soon as possible:
   • Severe, constant headache
   • Change or loss of vision
   • Aura (seeing bright, flashing lines)
   • Can't say
   • Severe chest pain
   • Shortness of breath
   • Hemoptisi
   • Dizziness or fatigue
   • Severe calf or thigh pain
   • Jaundice (jaundice)

Part 4 of 4: Dealing with Missing a Pill

1. 

   Try to never miss a pill but if you do, you need to make up. When you forget to take the pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill as usual. Certain combination pills, especially multiphase pills, may have additional instructions for use. application you need to comply with.
   • With most oral contraceptive pills, if you forget to take it until the next day, you should take two pills that day.
   • If you forget to take the pill two days, take two pills the first day you remember and the next two the day after.
   • If you forget to take a pill at any point in your cycle, you should use preventive contraception such as using a condom until you finish the pack.
   • If you forget to take the pill the first day of the pack, you may need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
   • If you are taking progestin-only pills (rather than the regular combination pill), take extreme care to take it at the same time every day. Even a few hours later can make you pregnant.

2. 

   Contact your doctor. If you are not sure what to do if you have missed a pill, or if you want to know if you need emergency contraception, contact your doctor. Tell them exactly what happened (you forgot to take a few pills, forgot how many days, etc.).
   • How you deal with missing or forgetting to take a pill will depend on the type of pill you are taking, so it's always a good idea to contact your doctor.

3. 

   Consider choosing an alternative form of birth control when you are sick. Use another form of birth control if you are sick and have vomiting or diarrhea because then the medicine may not stay in your gut long enough to be effective.
   • If you vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking the pill, it will usually not protect against pregnancy. Use preventive contraception like if you missed a pill.
   • If you have an eating disorder and take antiemetics or laxatives, oral contraception is unlikely to be effective. You should use another backup method of birth control. Consult your doctor or medical and neurological specialist for help.

Advice

• Always share information with your healthcare provider about where treatment was taken for birth control pills or emergency contraceptive pills. This includes health care providers you think are irrelevant, like dentists.
• Do not be afraid to take medicine. Taking the medicine is much less harmful to your health than being pregnant.

Warning

• If you miss even one pill, contact your doctor immediately. You can get pregnant if you don't follow the directions for taking your birth control pill