Oral Contraceptives

HOW TO TAKE THE PILL

The right way to take the pill is to take one pill everyday until the pack is empty.  Take your pill at the same time everyday so that you are less likely to forget to take it.  Pick a time of day which will be easy to remember.  You will then maintain an effective dose of the oral contraception in your body.

WHEN TO START THE FIRST PACK OF PILLS

You have a choice of which day to start taking your first pack of pills.

DAY 1 START

1. Take the first pill per package instructions during the first 24 hours of your next normal menstrual period.
2. You will not need to use a back-up method of birth control since you are starting the pill at the beginning of your period.

SUNDAY START

1. Take the first pill per package instructions on the first Sunday after your menstrual period starts, even if you are still bleeding.  If your menstrual period begins on Sunday, start the pack that same day.
2. Use another method of birth control as a back-up method if you have intercourse anytime from the Sunday you start your first pack until the next Sunday (7 days).  Condoms with spermicide are a reliable back-up method of birth control.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS

If you miss one pill in the first three weeks:

1. Take it as soon as you remember.  Take the next pill at your regular time.  This means you may take two pills in one day.
2. You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have intercourse.

If you miss two pills in a row in Week 1 or Week 2:

1. Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills on the next day.
2. Then take 1 pill a day until you finish the pack.
3. You may become pregnant if you have intercourse in the 7 days after you miss pills.  You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms and spermicide) as a back-up for those 7 days.

If you miss two pills in Week 3 or miss 3 or more pills at any time during the first three weeks: and if you are a day one starter:

1. Throw out the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
2. You may not have your period this month, but this is expected.  However, if you miss your menstrual period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
3. You may become pregnant if you have intercourse in the 7 days after you miss pills.  You must use another birth control method (such as condoms and spermicide) as a back up for those 7 days.

and if you are a Sunday starter:

1. Keep taking a pill everyday until Sunday.  On Sunday, throw out the rest of the current pack and start a new pack on that same day.
2. You may not have your period this month, but this is expected.  However, if you miss your menstrual period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
3. You may become pregnant if you have intercourse in the 7 days after you miss pills.  You must use another birth control method (such as condoms and spermicide) as a back up for those 7 days.

FINALLY, IF YOU ARE STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PILLS YOU HAVE MISSED:

1. Use a back-up method anytime you have intercourse.
2. Keep taking one pill each day until you can contact your doctor or clinic.

BLEEDING BETWEEN MENSTRUAL PERIODS

Do not be alarmed if you experience spotting or bleeding between periods, especially if it occurs during the first three months of pill use.  This is not unusual for women who are on the lower dose contraceptives.  You may need to visit your healthcare provider if it persists after the first three months.  Spotting does not indicate that the pill is less effective.

MISSED PERIODS

If you skip a menstrual period, but have not been late taking any pills, do not be alarmed; it is very unlikely that you are pregnant.  It is rather common for women taking the pill to miss periods occasionally.  If you are worried about pregnancy, you may come to the Health Center and request a pregnancy test.  Otherwise, start your next cycle of pills at the regularly scheduled time.

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND OTHER MEDICATIONS

Certain drugs may interact with birth control pills to make them less effective in preventing pregnancy.  Such drugs include rifampin, drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol is one brand of this drug), phenytoin (Dilantin is one brand of this drug), phenylbutazone (Butazolidin is one brand), and possibly certain antibiotics.  You may need to use additional contraception when you take drugs which can make oral contraceptives less effective.  For more information regarding specific drug interactions, consult your provider.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Oral contraceptives are intended to prevent pregnancy.  They do not protect against transmission of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.  To decrease your risk for STDs, we recommend the use of barrier methods such as condoms and spermicide.  Other risk reducers are:  limiting number of sexual partners, limiting or stopping the use of alcohol/other drugs, talking about potential risks and safer sex with partners, and getting regular STD check-ups.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. If you become ill and experience vomiting or severe diarrhea for several days, use an additional form of contraception for the remainder of the cycle.
2. If you should decide to become pregnant, use another form of contraception until you have had two or three normal menstrual periods after discontinuing the pill.
3. You should have an annual exam with a pap smear while taking the pill.  Call the Health Center two to three weeks in advance for an appointment.When you are seen by a doctor for other problems, ALWAYS mention that you are taking birth control pills.

DANGER SIGNALS

Please contact your health care provider if you note any of the following:

1. Abdominal Pain (severe) may indicate gallbladder disease.
2. Chest Pain (severe) may indicate blood clots in lungs or heart attack.
3. Shortness of Breath may indicate blood clot in lung or heart attack.
4. Headaches (severe) may indicate pending stroke or high blood pressure.
5. Eye Problems (blurred vision, flashing lights, or blindness) may indicate high blood pressure or pending stroke.
6. Severe Leg Pain (calf or thigh) may indicate blood clot in legs.

For more information, contact Olin Health Center: Phone Information Nurse   353-5557