What are birth control pills?
When you use birth control pills, you are almost 100% sure that you will not get pregnant. Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and HIV.
Birth control pills prevent ovulation by blocking the formation of the main sex hormones. Without overall sex hormones, ovulation does not occur. Birth control pills also affect the lining of the uterus in such a way that a possible fertilized egg cannot attach and develop. In addition, the mucus in the cervical canal becomes tough and impermeable to sperm.
Birth control pills come in different forms
- Single-phase pills, where all pills contain the same amount of hormone. Most single phase pills have 21 pills in a pack. Some single-phase pills may have 28 pills in a pack, but then the last seven pills are hormone-free
- Multiphase pills, where the pills contain different amounts of hormone. The pills are taken in a specific order. Multiphase pills always have 21 pills in a pack - except for a single type that has 22 pills in the pack
The newer birth control pills contain as little hormone as possible without compromising safety.
In the case of forgotten pills, you must always read the package insert, as it can be different depending on the pill brand, what it recommends to do.
As a starting point, however, you must do this:
Forgotten one pill: If you have forgotten to take a single pill, it is important that you take it as soon as you realize it. Even if it means you have to take two pills on the same day. If more than 36 hours pass between the two pills, you must use a condom together with the birth control pills for seven days.
Forgot more than one pill: If you have forgotten more than one pill, you must continue with the birth control pills, use a condom for the following seven days and skip the next scheduled break.
How to use birth control pills
- In each pack of birth control pills there is a leaflet. Read it thoroughly before you start taking the birth control pills - it can be different from product to product when you should take them
- Take the first birth control pill on the first day of menstruation. This gives you full protection right away.
- Take one pill daily for at least 21 days and then take a break for seven days. You can take the pills without a break as long as you do not want to bleed. At some point, most women will experience spotting. Then there is a 4-day break, after which you start taking the pills again. When you stop taking birth control pills, you usually get a bleeding. It is usually weaker than usual because you are taking birth control pills.
- Some women prefer to bleed every month and take 21 days on the pill and 7 days off. Some pill packs contain 28 tablets, 7 of which are white and are just calcium tablets. If you want to avoid bleeding, skip the white tablets.
- It is important for safety that you take the birth control pills correctly and do not forget to take them.
Also see under the section: "birth control pills come in different forms" and read your package insert.
As described, single-phase pills (the vast majority) can be taken in different ways. Tablets must always be taken for 21 and never take a break of more than 7 days (preferably only 4.5 or 6 days). If you still have problems with the bleeding despite taking birth control pills, it is recommended that you take the pills without a break.
The multiphase birth control pills are taken according to the instructions on the leaflet in the package.
When do the birth control pills work?
Birth control pills work immediately if you start taking them during the first five days of your period. However, it is easiest if you take the first pill on the first day you bleed.
If you start taking them later than the first day, you must use a condom together with the pill for a period of time until you are protected by the pill. Either for seven days if you start the birth control pills on days 2-5, or until you start the next blister sheet if you only start on day 6 or later.
How do you get birth control pills?
You get birth control pills by going to the doctor or a birth control clinic - you are welcome to use a doctor other than your own general practitioner when it comes to birth control.
Before you get a prescription for birth control pills, the doctor must examine your risk of developing blood clots, so your weight and blood pressure will be measured. It is not necessary to do a gynecological examination, you may be offered to be tested for chlamydia
It is recommended to arrange a check-up visit with the doctor after the first three months and then once a year, where your blood pressure will be measured and you will be weighed. At the same time, you can discuss possible side effects and precautions for forgotten birth control pills.
Advantages
- When you use birth control pills, you are almost 100% sure that you will not get pregnant.
- Birth control pills are an easy method.
- Birth control pills do not cause any interruption in intercourse.
- Birth control pills cause less heavy and less painful bleeding.
Disadvantages
- In the first few months, you may experience mild side effects, e.g. nausea, chest tightness, headache, spotting and mood swings.
- A few women may experience more serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
- You can get high blood pressure, but this is very rare.
- Birth control pills and smoking do not go together.
- Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and HIV. Therefore, also use a condom if you e.g. have changing partners or get a new boyfriend.
- If you have diarrhea or vomiting, you cannot be sure that the pill is working.
- If you are taking certain types of medication (e.g. anti-epileptic medication), the method is less safe. Ask the doctor if you are in doubt
Birth control pills are less suitable if...
- You smoke a lot
- You are not yet fully grown
- Your breastfeeding has not started well
- You e.g. have high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you suffer from an illness
It is not recommended to use birth control pills if...
- You are over 35 and smoke
- You have had blood clots or phlebitis
- You have a liver disease
