Patient Information: Birth Control

Birth Control Pill Fact Sheet

Effectiveness
The pill is one of most effective non permanent method of birth control. Pills are nearly 100% (99.6%) effective in preventing pregnancy if they are taken correctly. However they do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Prevents Pregnancy
Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, the two natural female hormones. These hormones help to prevent pregnancy by: 1) stopping ovulation each month, 2) changing the lining of the uterus and 3) changing the cervical mucous.

Benefits
Periods will be regular, lighter and shorter with less cramping.

1. Improvement of acne problems is common.
2. The pill helps prevent cancer of the ovaries and uterus.
3. Less chance of cysts on the ovaries and benign breast disease.

Adjusting to the Pill
Some women may notice minor changes when first starting the pill. These changes are usually greatly improved or go away completely after the first 2 to 3 months. Possible changes may include:

1. Breast tenderness or fullness.
2. Nausea-taking pills with food should help. Call the clinic if vomiting is a problem.
3. Spotting (breakthrough bleeding) - does not mean there is something wrong with you or that the pill is too strong or weak for you.
4. Very short and light periods. Some women will have only a drop of blood or brown smear on a pad, tampon or underwear. It is normal for some women to miss a period completely or have no bleeding (see pill instructions for missed period).
5. Weight gain/fluid retention - usually not greater than 5 pounds. A healthy diet, less intake of salty foods and regular exercise will help.
6. Acne - a few women may have an acne flare-up.
7. Mood changes - usually mild and temporary.

Call the clinic if these changes are severe or do not go away after the first two to three months.

Myths about the Pill
The pill does not make you less fertile. If you were fertile before using the pill, taking it should not affect your ability to have children later.

Most pills used today are low dose pills. It is not necessary to "go off" the pill every so often to give your body a rest. But you may be advised to stop the pills if you are having certain problems due to the pills.

The pill does not cause breast cancer, but can cause breast cancer to grow more rapidly if you develop it. Do monthly breast self exams and report any unusual changes or lumps to the clinic.

Danger Signs
ABDOMINAL PAIN (severe).
CHEST PAIN (severe), shortness of breath, coughing up blood.
HEADACHE (severe), numbness of lips, tongue, arm or leg.
EYE PROBLEMS - vision loss, blurring, flashing lights
SEVERE LEG PAIN - redness, swelling of calf or thigh.

CALL THE Ob/gyn Clnic at 319-356-2294. IF YOU DEVELOP ANY OF THE DANGER SIGNALS LISTED ABOVE. If no answer call the University of Iowa Hospital (319)356-1616 and ask for the OB/Gyn resident on call.

Birth Control Instructions

1. Start your first pack of pills on the first Sunday after your period begins. If your period begins on Sunday start your pills that day.
2. Use a BACKUP METHOD (foam, condoms, sponge) along with the pills for the first month.
3. Take a pill every day until you finish a pack then start a new pack. Do not skip any days between packs.
4. It is very important to take your pills every day at the same time. If you miss or take any pills late, you may spot or bleed and should use a back-up method until you start the next pack of pills.
5. IF YOU ARE LATE with a pill by 4 hours or more, be sure to use a back-up method until you start the next pack of pills.
6. IF YOU MISS ONE PILL, take it as soon as you remember it, then take today's pill at the regular time. USE A BACK-UP METHOD until you start the next pack of pills.
7. IF YOU MISS TWO PILLS IN A ROW, take 2 pills as soon as you remember and 2 pills the next day. EXAMPLE: If you forget pills on Monday and Tuesday, take 2 pills on Wednesday and 2 pills on Thursday to catch up. USE A BACK-UP METHOD until you start the next pack of pills.
8. IF YOU MISS THREE PILLS IN A ROW, start using a back-up method right away. Start a new pack of pills on the next Sunday after the last pill you took. Use your back-up method until you finish the new pack of pills. If you have been sexually active before starting your new pack of pills you must wait for your next period before starting. You need to use another form of birth control for the month and for the next cycle of pills.
9. MISSED PERIODS
   
• IF YOU HAVE TAKEN ALL PILLS CORRECTLY and have a very light or miss a period, keep taking your pills.
• IF YOU MISS TWO PERIODS, in a row, call the clinic.
• IF YOU MISS ANY PILLS AND MISS A PERIOD, call the clinic. You may need a pregnancy test.
  
10. If you get sick and have diarrhea or vomiting, within two hours of taking the pill, use a back-up method until you start your next pack of pills. Keep taking your pills.
11. Anytime you see a doctor/nurse, be sure to mention you are on birth control pills especially if you may be admitted to a hospital.
12. Certain medicine, such as antibiotics, may cause your pills to be less effective. Call the clinic to find out if you need to use a back-up method.

**For more information please read your pill packet insert.**

REMINDER

1. If you miss a pill by 4 hours use a back-up method, like condoms and spermicide, for the rest of the pill packet.
2. When using a antibiotic, use a back-up method, like condoms and spermicide, for the rest of the pill packet.
3. Warning signs:
• severe chest pain with shortness of breath
• worst headache of your life
• visual changes
• numbness, tingling, weakness of arms or legs
• severe abdominal pain
• severe leg pain with swelling
• call the clinic or family physician right away.
  
4. Call the clinic if you miss more than two pills in a row.

Birth control pills do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Use condoms and spermicide every time you have sex to protect yourself from getting a sexually transmitted disease including AIDS.

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Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004