A Handbook For Birth Control

Birth Control That Is On A Schedule

In this chapter we will be going over the four birth control methods that need to be taken or used on a schedule and each method is, of course, taken at different times. These methods include the pill, the birth control shot, the vaginal ring, and the patch.

THE PILL:

The first birth control method we will discuss is the pill. The pill is a type of medication taken once a day. There are two types of pills- combination pill and progestin-only. The combination pill contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin, while the progestin-only pill only has progestin (as the name suggests). Both of these hormones are used to stop ovulation, thus preventing the pregnancy from ever occurring. The pill also thickens the mucus around the cervix which makes it harder for sperm to get through. One does need a prescription in order to gain access to this method. I always suggest Planned Parenthood for sexual health because they are affordable and are typically easy to get to. Now, the pill does not prevent STDs/STIs so it is important to use other birth control methods that do, such as condoms, along with the pill.

The pill is approximately 91%-99% effective if, and only if, taken every day. If you miss your pill or start your pack late (you are supposed to take them right after you end your period) they will not be as effective so please make sure you are being very careful about when you take them. When taking your pill, you are considered early if it is more than three hours before you normally take it and it is late if taken three hours after you normally do, although it is suggested to take it the exact time every day. Your pill is considered missed if it has been a full twenty-four hours after the fact. If you miss your pill and had unprotected sex, please go to your local drug store and get an emergency contraceptive. If it has been less than two days since you forgot to take your pill, you can take it at any time you remember and continue taking the rest of your pills as you normally would, it is not that big of a deal but you should not make a habit of it if you want it to be effective. However, if you miss two or more days of your pill you need to dispose of all of the pills you missed (see chapter 9 for instructions) and continue taking your medication regularly.

On the topic of missing your pills, you can use the pill to help control your period. When you get your birth control pack some come in a wheel and some in a cardboard pack but either way you will get four weeks with of pills. The first three weeks are your birth control and the last week are your reminder pills. If you wish to control your period then take the first three weeks and skip the reminder pills, disposing of the reminder pills. On the other hand, if you want to skip your period then take all four weeks and do not take a break between packs. Do keep in mind that there may still be a little bit of spotting or bleeding when you use the pill to skip your period because your body still has to clean itself and the period is the body's way of cleaning the vagina. You may also notice some spotting if you miss a few days of your pills, however, not all have that side effect.

The last topic we need to discuss for the pill before moving on, are benefits and side effects. Although I believe the birth control pill to be amazing, there are possible side effects just like with every other medications and it is not perfect. Most people who take the pill have little to no issues, however, every is different. Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, tender breasts, and discharge. If someone does experience side effects, it is usually only for the first few months while their body adjusts. Some people can not take the pill due to the negative impact it has on their mental health. There have been reports of people feeling suicidal and depressed when taking the pill, however, that is not that common. If your birth control makes you feel ill or the symptoms continue after a few months, call your doctor. The benefits definitely do outweigh the side effects in my opinion, but again everyone is different. The major benefit is, of course, that it prevents pregnancy and is not permanent. As soon as you stop taking your pills you can get pregnant. The pill is also good at treating and preventing acne, ovarian cysts, and infections dealing with your reproductive system. I personally use the pill to treat ovarian cysts and to lessen period pains.