5 Things You Need to Know About Birth Control Pills

1. Pick The Pill

Birth control pills are one of the most common choices of contraception among women today. They contain synthetic forms of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, and work by preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs, which stops ovulation, and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The Pill is quite effective when you take it properly, but it doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases. You need a prescription to take the Pill, so talk with your doctor first to decide if taking birth control pills is the best contraception method for you.

2. Risks Include Serious Side Effects

Possible side effects you might experience when you take birth control pills are nausea, headaches, spotting, weight gain, sore breasts and mood swings. More serious risks to consider are blood clots, hypertension, heart attack and stroke. The Pill may not be as effective when taken with certain medications such as antibiotics, migraine or anti-seizure medications, so make sure to use a backup birth control method in these cases. If you've ever had a heart attack or stroke, if you're a smoker over the age of 35, if you could be pregnant, or if you have blood clots, liver disease, cancer or abnormal vaginal bleeding, you shouldn't take birth control pills. If you've had other serious health conditions at any point in your life, or if you're under 35 years old and you smoke, consult with your doctor first.

3. The Upside of Taking Birth Control

Taking birth control pills can have wonderful advantages. You may experience shorter periods, less cramping and more regular cycles when on the Pill. It can also clear up your skin if you have acne, and it lessens your risk of developing ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.

4. Never Have a Period Again

Some types of birth control pills contain the same level of hormones throughout the whole month, while others contain different levels of hormones each week. There are also birth control pills you can take continuously so that you only have your period every three months or not at all. Work with your doctor to find out the advantages and disadvantages to the oral contraceptives you're considering before trying one out. You may have to take one or two different types of birth control pills before finding the one that works best with your body.

5. Be Consistent

In order for birth control pills to be as effective as possible, you must take your pill at the same time every day. For example, if you wake up at the same time each morning, then place the pills next to your alarm clock and take your pill right when you get up. If you forget to take your pill one day, talk to your doctor about when to take the missed pill and use a backup form of birth control.