About Using Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills are a very effective means of preventing pregnancy, but they offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs). Many college women or couples are choosing to use condoms along with the pill for STD protection and even better pregnancy protection.

How to use your pills: 
Start your first package of pills on the Sunday after your period begins. If your period starts on Sunday, take the pill that day. Some pill directions suggest starting the pill on the first day of flow; either way is all right.

For the first week use a "second" method of birth control, such as condoms, foam, the sponge or abstinence. Birth control protection is optimal after one week of taking hormone-containing pills. Use this one week rule, (using a second method of birth control x 7 days), if you miss a pill. If you take any medication which may interfere with the pills effectiveness, use a second, backup method while taking the medication and for one week after you have finished it.

Take your pill at about the same time every day; if you associate it with a regular activity, like brushing your teeth, it will be easier to remember. If nausea is a problem, taking it with a meal or at night may help.

The last week of pills in the pack have no hormones, but you are still protected while taking them. (Mircette users note: the last week of pills does contain estrogen, and may provide extra birth control protection.) You should start your period sometime during this week. It is very important to remember to start your next cycle of pills on time, so your birth control protection remains high. Start your next package of pills on time even if you are still having your period.

If you miss a pill: 
Take it as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at the regular time. You may have some spotting, and your next period may be lighter. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

If you miss two or more pills, take only one pill as soon as you remember, then take your next scheduled pill at your usual time. Use a back-up birth control method until you’ve been on your pill regularly for one week. Again, you may have some spotting and your next period may be lighter than you’re use to.

If you skip a period: 
Your period will usually become lighter and shorter on the pill and you may occasionally skip a period all together, If you have not missed any pills or been on any interfering medication, a skipped period is nothing to worry about.

If you have missed pills or been on interfering medication, and haven’t used any back-up protection such as condoms, come into the Health Center for a pregnancy test. You don’t need an appointment.

If you miss two periods in a row, come into the Health Center to see the nurse. We will probably do a pregnancy test, but many women normally have very light or no periods on the pill. If you have been taking the pill regularly, you should not be worried.

Common side effects: 
When you start the pill, you may notice mild nausea, breast tenderness, bloating or light vaginal bleeding. These symptoms usually disappear after you’ve been on the pill for a few weeks. If they are still a problem after you’ve been on the pill for three cycles, make an appointment at the Health Center.

Sometimes you may notice some symptoms after you’ve been on the pill for several months or more, such as headaches, increased menstrual cramps, spotting or breakthrough bleeding which persists for more than one or two months, or emotional changes. Rarely occurring side effects include weight gain, acne, vaginal dryness or decrease in sex drive. These side effects can often be helped by changing to a different type of pill. Please call us for an appointment if you have any of these problems.

RARE BUT SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Remember A.C.H.E.S.

• Abdominal pain (severe)
• Chest pain (severe) or shortness of breath
• Headaches (severe)
• Eye problems - blurred vision, loss of vision or flashing lights
• Swelling and pain in the leg

These symptoms may indicate serious problems such as blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. These conditions are extremely rare with the newer, low-dose birth control pills, especially in healthy, non-smoking young women.

Other things to remember: 
If you need medical care for an illness or injury or if you require surgery, be sure to tell your doctor that you are on the pill.

Be sure to pick up enough pills to get through semester break, vacations and all summer until we open again in the fall. If you run out before you come back to school, call 778-7200 with your name, phone number, and the name and phone number of a pharmacy where we can call in a prescription. You can leave a message if no one is in the office when you call and someone will get back to you.

If you decide to become pregnant, discontinue the pill and use another method of birth control until you have three normal periods.