WHAT ARE COMBINED BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?
Combined birth control pills contain two hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They work by stopping ovulation (release of an egg) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Among typical couples who initiate use of combined pills about 8% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This is because sometimes pills are not used correctly. If pills are used consistently and correctly, just three in 1,000 women will become pregnant. Use a backup contraceptive for the first 7 days of your first pack of pills. You do not need to use a backup method during the hormone-free days of your pill pack. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the specific pill brand you are taking. READ YOUR PACKAGE INSERT CAREFULLY.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Pills greatly decrease a woman’s risk for cancer of the ovary and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). They also lower your chances of having benign breast masses (breast masses which are NOT cancer), ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Pills decrease women’s menstrual cramps and pain.
- Pills reduce menstrual blood loss and a woman’s risk for anemia.
- Acne often improves, and hair growth on the face is reduced.
- Many women enjoy sex more when on pills.
- Some clinicians provide 3 - 6 months of pills without a pelvic exam.
- You can control the cycle so as not to have your period during certain times (honeymoon, exams, etc.)
- You can decrease the number of cycles over time by using Seasonale (84 hormonal pills followed by 3-7 hormone-free days).
- Pills tend to make periods very short and scanty. You may see no blood at all. Most women like this when they understand it is normal.
- Pills do not cause breast cancer.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Pills do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you may be at risk.
- You have to remember to take the pill every day.
- You may have nausea and/or spotting (mostly during the first few cycles on pills).
- Taking the pill may cause headaches, depression, anxiety, fatigue, mood changes, or decreased enjoyment of sex in some women.
- A backup contraceptive is required for 7 days if you have any question about how many pills you have missed.
- Serious complications like blood clots may occur but are rare.
- Pills can be quite expensive and require a prescription.
- Pills may lead to higher rates of one type of cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma of the cervix).
- After stopping pills, you may not get your period for 1-3 months, although this is rare.
WHERE CAN I GET PILLS?
- In the United States you need a prescription. You can get pills from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, health department, or family planning clinic. As of early 2005 most pills cost $35 to $45 per 28 day cycle without insurance.
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