Oral Contraceptives     
                                                       

Smarter Sex Survey reports that 84% of students
believe using a condom AND a hormonal birth
control method is the best way to practice Smart Sex.

Type
Combination pills (Estrogen and Progestin)
Mini-pills (Progestin only)

What is it?
Pills that contain synthetic hormones similar to those that your body naturally produces during your monthly cycle (Estrogen and Progestin). 

How does it work?
The hormones in the Pill prevent pregnancy primarily by inhibiting ovulation.  In addition, the Pill prevents pregnancy by thickening your cervical mucus and making it difficult for the sperm to pass through the cervix to fertilize an egg, affecting the lining of the uterus and immobilizing sperm.

How do I use it?
Swallow one Pill daily at about the same time each day.

How reliable is it?
When used correctly - taken every day without missing a pill - combination birth control pills are 99% effective.  When used correctly, mini-pills are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.  In other words, with perfect use, less than 1 out of 100 women will become pregnant within the first year of use.  With typical use, 5 out of 100 women will become pregnant within the first year.

Are there any hormones involved?
Yes

Does this type of contraceptive offer protection from STI/STDs?
No

What are the advantages?
The Pill allows for spontaneity - no interruptions.  It is easy to use and highly effective.  The Pill may reduce your menstrual cramps, lighten your flow, and make your cycles more regular.  In addition, the Pill may decrease the chance of acquiring ovarian cancer and cancer of the lining of the uterus, noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may be reduced and/or occur less frequently, and decreases the risks of having an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) .   The Pill may minimize acne problems too.  The Pill is the most extensively studied medication ever prescribed.

What are the disadvantages?
One must take the Pill every day for it to be effective.  There are also various side effects that may occur (see below).  Effectiveness is reduced when used with certain antibiotics or barbituates.   In addition, it may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Are there any side effects or health risks that I should discuss with my healthcare provider?
The Pill may cause nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain or loss, bleeding between periods, water retention, increased blood pressure, mood changes and headaches.

Where do I get it?
Prescription and Clinic Visit required.

How often do I need to use it?
Pills must be taken every day around the same time to increase effectiveness.

Additional Information:

Reversibility

• Taking birth control pills should not affect your ability to become pregnant after you stop taking birth control pills if you had regular periods prior to starting a hormonal contraceptive.

Who should not use birth control pills?

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• If you have a history of heart attack or stroke
• If you have blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes
• If you have a history of blood clots in the deep veins of your legs
• If you suffer from chest pain (angina pectoris)
• If you have known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding (until your healthcare professional reaches a diagnosis)
• If you have hepatitis or yellowing of the whites of your eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during previous use of hormonal contraceptives
• If you have a liver tumor (benign or cancerous)
• If you have severe high blood pressure
• If you have diabetes with complications of the kidney, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels
• If you have headaches with neurological symptoms
• If you have a disease of heart valves with complications
• If you have the need for a prolonged period of bed rest following major surgery
• If you have an allergy to any of the components of oral contraceptives
• Women who find taking a pill every day to be difficult
• If you smoke cigarettes (it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptives).  This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age.  Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.