Contraceptive pills are commonly used by females of all ages. It is important to know the differences and how to best use these medications.

What are contraceptive pills?

Birth control medication or pills are oral contraceptives that contain hormones similar to the ones our bodies use as part of a menstrual cycle. The hormones in the pill work to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or release of an egg, thickening the mucus, and altering the uterine lining. There are many types of birth control pills, and they are available in different pill packs.

How effective are contraceptive pills?

All birth control pills are effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. The combination pill and the progesterone-only pill have a tiny failure rate, meaning 9 in 100 females on the pill may get pregnant.

How to effectively take a contraceptive pill?

The pill is to be taken daily, preferably at the same time every day. This is for both combination and progesterone-only pills. There is a little window of time that can deviate from the actual time however, each type of pill is different. 

Combined oral contraceptive

The combined oral contraceptive pill can come in 28-day packs, 21-day packs, and 91-day packs. The 28 pills are the most common birth control packs. It has three weeks of active pills with hormones and 5 inactive pills with no hormones in them. The 21-day packs contain 21 active tablets and then 7 days of no tablets at all, triggering a menstrual bleed to occur. 

Furthermore, the 91-day packs are designed with 84 active/hormonal tablets, with the last 7 being no-hormone/oestrogen-only tablets. This will allow for a period of the last seven days every three months.

This pill offers more flexibility. They should be taken at the same time each day; however, if an active pill is missed, it can be taken as soon as one remembers, even if it’s 12-24 hours later. It could mean taking two active pills on the same day. However, if it’s been 48 hours since the last dose, the pill is less effective now, and a backup contraception needs to be used.

Progesterone only pill

The progesterone-only pill does not contain oestrogen and is often prescribed to females who may have side effects from oestrogen, are breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, or dermatitis. The pills are to be taken daily. The mini-pills come in 28-day packs without any inactive tablets. However, due to the way this birth control pill works, it means unpredictable bleeding may occur in some, and in others, there will be no bleeding at all. 

This pill needs to be taken within a 3-hour window from the usual time. If it’s taken outside this time window, it may not prevent pregnancy effectively, and other forms of contraception should be used for 48 hours. 

When to start taking the pill?

The birth control pill can be started as soon as they are prescribed. Any day or time of the menstrual cycle is okay to begin. However, the time from taking the medication to the time a female is protected from pregnancy does depend on when in the cycle the tablets are started. 

Starting on the first day of the period: Starting the pills on the first day of the period allows for protection straight away. Females should take the tablet every day, even when on their period, to be protected from an unwanted pregnancy. 

Starting on any day: The pills can be started on any day that suits you. However, if the pill is taken outside the prescribed period, it will take 7 days to be effective, and if individuals choose to be sexually active during those 7 days, an additional contraceptive protection must be used to prevent pregnancy. 

If you are starting the medicine during the cycle, you will be protected straight away. Furthermore, if the tablets are started at any other time of the cycle, a backup contraception method needs to be used for the first 7 days of taking the tablets.

Can I stop taking birth control pills?

If wanting to stop the medicine, it’s important to know the body takes time to return to its new normal. Most people will get their cycle within a few weeks of stopping however, if it takes longer, a doctor consultation may be beneficial. 

How to decide on a type of contraceptive pill?

There are many contraceptive pill options, and though some may wonder why that is, it is to ensure there is a good fit for each person. Talking to your doctor about which pill option would work for you is highly important. Discuss the below to find your best choice:

  • The current menstrual symptoms: Females who may have heavy bleeding cycles, may do better with progesterone only birth control instead of the combination.
  • Breastfeeding status: Females who are breastfeeding and decide they want a contraceptive pill need to avoid all pills containing oestrogen. 
  • Cardiovascular health: Females with a history of stroke, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis may be given the progesterone-only pill. 
  • Other health conditions: Females who may have active breast cancer, endometrial cancer, a migraine with aura, or any heart disease may have to steer away from all oral contraceptives. 

Consult doctor

It is highly important to provide your doctor with your full medical health history to find the best fit contraceptive pill for you.