The birth control pill

What is it?

The birth control pill, also known as "the pill" or oral contraceptives are taken by women to prevent pregnancy. Generally, they are the most effective non-surgical form of birth control. When taken according to the package directions, they have a <1% failure rate.

Condition(s) it is used for

Birth control is primarily used to prevent pregnancy. However, some also use it to control acne. There are some pills that are better than others at controlling this.

Often the pill is prescribed to control symptoms of extreme PMS, heavy mentruation and certain female health problems, such as endometriosis.

How it works

The birth control pill is taken every day of the month. Generally 'active' tablets are taken 21 out of the 28 days of the cycle month. The remaining 7 days are either placebo pill or, in some cases, iron pills, but do not impact the cycle. Each 'active' pill releases hormones (each formulation or brand varies slightly) so that the ovulation cycle is disrupted. Thus, women have normal 28 day period cycles but do not produce an egg that leads to pregnancy.

Side effects

Side effects for the pill can range. Common side effects include:

• Vaginal bleeding. It is not uncommon to experience irregular bleeding, out of the regular cycle of menstruation. This is normal and will usually go away within a few months of taking the pill. To prevent this, it is important to take the pill at the same time each day. If break-through bleeding is heavy, contact a doctor.
• Fluid retention. Many women experience an increase in feeling of bloation. This is especially common in the breasts and belly. For some, this can lesson over time, for others it remains for as long as they take the pill. Some find that one brand of the pill may cause heavy water retention or sore breasts, while other brands do not. It is best to find the right pill for you.
• Melasma. A spotty darkening of the skin, mostly on the face. This discoloration is much worse with exposure to the sun.
• Weight gain, change in appetite, headache, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, yeast infections, and depression.
• Potential issues with contact lens wearers. If you notice problems or extreme eye irritation, contact your medical professional.

Contraindications

Make sure to check with your doctor or the medication pamphlet on contraindications and drug interactions.

• It is best not to smoke while taking the pill. Women who smoke 10+ cigarretes a day, especially those over the age of 35, and who take the b-pill, are at increased risk for life-threatening blood clots.
• Breast-feeding: women must check with their doctors while breastfeeding and taking birth control pills. Some are allowed, while others are not.
• Some medications may interact with the pill making it less effective. Some of these drugs are: antibiotics, certain medications for epilepsy, perhaps St. John's Wort.

Who should NOT take the pill

The following women should not take the birth control pill. Women who have a history of blood clots or stroke should not take the pill.

• Past history of jaundice.
• Liver tumor.
• Known or suspected pregnancy.
• Known or suspected breast, vaginal, or cervical cancer.

Common brand names

There are hundreds of birth control pill brands, many with different formulation of estrogen and hormone levels. It is important to find the one that is right for you.

Two brand names that are marketed as helping with acne are Jasmine Estrostep.

Availability

In the United States, the birth control pill is dispensed via a prescription only. In some countries, they are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies. Most insurance drug plans cover a portion of the birth control pill, while others cover none of it. However, most insurance will only pay for 1-3 months supply at a time.

More Information

If you are already taking, or are about to start taking the birth control pill, make sure to read over the accompanying packet of information carefully. While the pill is a very common and widely take drug, it does have a large number of side effects and contraindications associated with it.

Related WikiHealth articles

• Birth control
• Menstruation