Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills have been around for more than 40 years. They are contraceptive pills that are taken orally by women.

Birth control pills are widely-studied medications in the United States and they are effective and safe for women to use. Enovid was the first birth control pill introduced in the 1960's. From then on, more than 45 brand names have emerged and are available to women.

The dosages of earlier birth control pills are significantly higher. Through years of research, the dosages were decreased and side-effects have also decreased with this major change. Current prescribed birth control pills contain about 1/10th of the medication prescribed in the 1960's.

How birth control pills work

Typical birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone [female hormones]. These are synthetic female hormones that work mainly by preventing the ovulation process.

Birth control pills come in 2 types of packs:

• 21-day pill pack – contains 3 weeks worth of active hormone pills
• 28-day pill pack – contains 3 weeks worth of active hormone pills and 1 week worth of placebo pills

There are 2 types of pills:

• Monophasic - when all the hormone pills contain the same dosage
• Triphasic – when the hormone pills contain different dosages or the active hormone ingredient

Both monophasic and triphasic birth control pills are popular and effective.

How effective are birth control pills?

Birth control pills offer 98%-99% effectiveness for women who take them daily as prescribed. Following the directions from your OB-GYN is essential. Consumption errors of birth control pills may lead to decreased effectiveness of the medication.

For late or skipped pills, there are package directions on the carton box of pills. If you missed taking a pill and don’t know what to do, it is best to consult your OB-GYN.

Side-effects of taking birth control pills

There are two types of side-effects from taking birth control pills. Common side-effects are not adverse and usually occur at the onset or during the first few weeks upon taking the pill. Rare side-effects can occur but not to every woman who takes the pill.

Common side-effects:

• Nausea or vomiting – Usually the first couple of days or weeks are crucial especially for first-timers. This side-effect goes away over time.

A good practice is to take the pill before going to sleep or during a meal. Persistent vomiting may happen and if it does do not hesitate to call your doctor.

• Spotting – Vaginal spotting/bleeding may occur while taking the active hormone pills. It is a very common side-effect that occurs during the first three months of taking birth control pills.
• Breast tenderness – Some women encounter tenderness on their breast area upon starting on the pill. It helps to reduce salt and caffeine intake, and by wearing a full-support bra. This symptom usually goes over time.

If you encounter discomfort or feel a small lump, consult your doctor as soon as you can.

• Mood swings – Some women may encounter mood swings; from depression to anxiety. Women with history of depression should monitor themselves upon taking the pill. If there are significant changes, call your doctor right away.
• Weight gain – There is no clear indication if birth control pills are directly linked to weight gain. Studies show that those who take the pill and those who do not have the same weight changes.
• Decreased libido – The presence of active hormones in birth control pills may have a direct connection to decrease in libido. Call your doctor if you wish to change your pills to help prevent this side-effect.
• Cervical changes – Cervical cell changes can be attributed to pregnancy as well as taking birth control pills. Discuss with your doctor this side-effect and ask about alternatives or options.
• Gallbladder stones and diseases – Taking birth control pills may accelerate gallstone formation. Women with a history of gallbladder disease or gallstones are more likely to encounter this side-effect.
• Vaginal discharge – Although it is normal for any woman to encounter vaginal discharge. Changes in the cycle of vaginal discharge could be noticeable when taking the pill. Some women might not notice this change at all.

Rare Side-effects:

• Blood clots – Some women may experience blood clots in their abdomen, legs, lungs, eye/s, brain or heart. The blood clot may occur in the artery or vein and can have varying symptoms.

Risk for blood clots is higher for women who smoke, has high blood pressure, diabetes, clotting tendencies and heart disease.

Sings of blood clots:

• abdominal pain
• headache
• chest pain
• leg pain
• eye problems

• High blood pressure – Taking birth control pills can increase blood pressure. It is a must to have your blood pressure checked at least once every month.
• Breast cancer – Studies suggest that a slight increase of breast cancer risk may be attributed to taking birth control pills. For women who have a family history of breast cancer, it is best to discuss the matter with your OB-GYN.
• Tumors in the liver – Formation of benign liver tumors are likely to happen with women who are taking the pill. If you experience pain in your upper abdomen while under the pill, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
• Cervical caner – Slightly increased risk on developing cervical cancer may be attributed to taking birth control pills. Annual Pap smear can help you monitor cervical health, so it is advisable to not miss out a test.

Benefits from taking birth control pills

• regular menstrual cycles
• decreased menstrual cramps
• can cure acne in some women
• reduced occurrence of developing:

• benign cysts in the breasts and ovaries
• pelvic inflammatory disease/s
• tubal pregnancy
• uterine and ovarian cancer

Understanding Birth Control Pills Recommended Resources:

Brown University

The University Health Center

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