Taking birth control pills is a completely personal decision. If you are sexually active and are not intending to get pregnant, birth control pills can prove extremely helpful for that. Another name for birth control pills is oral contraceptives, as they are taken orally (by mouth). It is more or less, considered a successful and effective method for birth control, with a success rate of about 91 percent.
So, you must be aware of all the relevant information encompassing how it works, how effective birth control pills are, what steps to follow to ensure its effectiveness, and the must-read guidelines before taking it.
How do birth control pills work?
The most common query is when birth control pills start working. For this, you must be aware of how it works. Birth control pills use hormones to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Most birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, although progestin-only pills are also available. When taken as directed, the hormones in the birth control pill prevent the body from releasing an egg each month, thereby preventing pregnancy. The hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. It is also important to note that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of STIs, other means of protection, such as condoms, are advisable.
When should you take birth control pills?
The timing of when to take birth control pills depends on the type of pill you decide to take, or you are prescribed. Since there are two types of pills, the prescribed timings tend to vary. Below are given the correct time for both combination and progestin-only pills intake.
In the case of combination birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin, you must start taking the pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle, which means the first day of your period. Taking the pill on the first day of your period immediately protects you against pregnancy. You can also start taking the pill at any other time during your menstrual cycle, but it’s important to use additional forms of protection for the first seven days.
You can start taking progestin-only pills at any time during your menstrual cycle, but it’s important to use additional forms of protection for the first 48 hours. Once you start taking the pill, you should take one at the same time daily. But make sure you consult a healthcare professional and follow all the instructions provided carefully and attentively.
How effective are birth control pills?
Another common query is: when are birth control pills effective? The effectiveness of birth control pills depends on the user’s consistency in taking the pills as directed. When taken correctly and consistently, birth control pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Combination birth control pills are over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, which means that less than one in 100 women who use the pill correctly will become pregnant in a year. Progestin-only pills are slightly less effective, with a 1-2% failure rate when used correctly.
Step-by-step guide to take birth control pills that works effectively:
To ensure your birth control pill works correctly and effectively, you must follow the guidelines recommended for taking birth control pills. All the essential guidelines are listed below:
- Read the instruction
- Read the information leaflet with your birth control pills. This will give you important information about taking them and what to do if you miss a dose.
- Start on the right day
Take birth control pills on the first day of your menstrual cycle or the first Sunday after your period begins. This will protect you from the first day of your cycle. - Take one pill at the same time every day
Take one pill at the same time every day, either in the morning or in the evening. It is important to take the pill simultaneously every day to keep the hormones in your body constant. - Use a backup method for the first 7 days
If you are starting a new pack of birth control pills or have missed a pill, you should consider using a backup method of contraception such as condoms. - Don’t miss a pill
If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two pills, take two as soon as you remember and then continue taking one pill daily. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you miss more than two pills. - Know what to do if you vomit or have diarrhea
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking your pill or have severe diarrhea, it may not be fully absorbed into your body. Take another pill immediately and use a backup method for seven days. - Finish one pack before starting the next
Finish one pack of birth control pills before starting the next pack. This will ensure that you are protected from unintended pregnancy. - Be aware of possible side effects
Some women may experience side effects from taking birth control pills. These may include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience such signs.
Conclusion:
Never ignore a consultation with a healthcare professional before considering the intake of birth control pills. This might pose a negative impact on your body or would not provide you with the utmost effectiveness. It is also important to note that certain medications or health conditions may affect the effectiveness of birth control pills. It’s important to discuss any medications or health conditions with your healthcare provider before starting birth control pills to ensure they are the right choice for you.
Ova Birth Control Pills:
Along with consulting a healthcare professional, choosing a reliable company that manufactures birth control pills is also important. If you are looking for suitable options, book a consultation with Ova’s medical team to learn about which one is most effective and safe for you.
FAQs about birth control
1. When can I start taking birth control pills?
You can start taking birth control pills anytime during your menstrual cycle. However, the best time to start taking them depends on the type of birth control pill you have been prescribed. If you are starting a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC), which contains estrogen and progestin, you should take it on the first day of your menstrual cycle. This will provide you with immediate protection against pregnancy.
If you are starting a progestin-only pill (POP), also known as the mini-pill, you can take it anytime during your menstrual cycle. However, you will need to use a backup method of contraception, such as a condom, for the first 48 hours.
2. How long do birth control pills take to work?
The effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing pregnancy depends on when you start taking them and how consistently you take them. If you start taking birth control pills on the first day of your menstrual cycle, they will immediately protect against pregnancy. However, if you start taking the pills on any other day of your cycle, it may take up to 7 days to be fully effective.
3. How do I get birth control pills?
You can get birth control pills through various ways, such as consulting a healthcare professional directly by visiting them, through telemedicine, or after consultation with a clinic. After securing a prescription, you can visit any pharmacy to get a hold of your birth control pill.
4. What if I stop taking birth control pills?
If you stop taking birth control pills, your body will resume its normal hormonal cycle. You may experience changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or heavier bleeding. This is normal and usually resolves within a few months after stopping the pill. If you miss a pill, you should follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication label to determine what to do next.
Depending on the pill type and how many pills you missed, you may need to use additional forms of protection to prevent pregnancy. It’s important to note that every person’s situation is different. Your healthcare provider can provide specific guidance on when to take birth control pills based on your individual needs and medical history.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about birth control pills here.