FAQ About Birth Control Pills

The birth control pill was first introduced in the 1950s. It quickly became a popular method of contraception, and it remains so today. "The Pill" has a high effectiveness rate, between 93 and 99 percent. Its effectiveness can be diminished when taken with certain antibiotics or when it is not taken as prescribed.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

• As explained by Planned Parenthood, birth control pills alter the levels of estrogen and progestin in a woman's body. They contain both estrogen and progestin, but in a synthetic (i.e., artificial) form. Depending on the amount of these hormones in a particular pill, the levels are either raised or lowered. Having too much or too little of either hormone prevents pregnancy from occurring. Some birth control pills change the density of the uterus lining. This causes the lining to be thinner, which prevents a fertilized egg from implanting as easily as it would in a thick lining.

How Should Birth Control Pills Be Taken?

• Birth control pills should be taken at the same time every day. Some women prefer to take them in the morning because this decreases the chance of nausea.

  The active pills that contain the synthetic hormones should be taken first. The reminder pills can either be taken or thrown away. Some women take the reminder pills so that they will be in the habit of taking a pill every day.

  A cycle of pills is usually started on the first day of a woman's period, the Sunday immediately following the onset of her period or 7 days after the period has started.

  Pills must be taken everyday to be effective. Missed pills should be taken as soon as they are remembered. If more than three pills are missed, a woman must use alternate birth control methods while still taking her pills.

What the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?

• According the FamilyDoctor.org, nausea, weight gain and water retention are the most common side effects. These often disappear once the body adjusts to the medication.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Birth Control Pills?

• Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can also make a woman's periods lighter and lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. In addition, PMS and PMDD symptoms are often diminished while a woman is taking the pill.

  Periods are very regular, making it easy for a woman to know when she will most likely be menstruating. This prevents any surprises and even allows her to arrange activities around her cycle.

Are There Any Dangers Associated with Birth Control Pills?

• The biggest danger associated with birth control pills is the potential for blood clots. This risk is greater in women over the age of 35 and women who smoke.