What is Oral Contraception Use

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are medicines that you take to prevent pregnancy. OCPs work by:

• Preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs.
• Thickening mucus in the lower part of the uterus (cervix), which prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
• Thinning the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the endometrium.

OCPs are highly effective when taken exactly as prescribed. However, OCPs do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safe sex practices, such as using condoms while on an OCP, can help prevent STIs.

Before taking OCPs, you may have a physical exam, blood test, and Pap test. A Pap test involves taking a sample of cells from your cervix to check for cancer. Discuss with your health care provider the possible side effects of the OCP you may be prescribed. When you start an OCP, be aware that it can take 2–3 months for your body to adjust to changes in hormone levels.

How to take oral contraceptive pills

Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to start taking your first cycle of OCPs. Your health care provider may recommend that you:

• Start the pill on day 1 of your menstrual period. If you start at this time, you will not need any backup form of birth control (contraception), such as condoms.
• Start the pill on the first Sunday after your menstrual period or on the day you get your prescription. In these cases, you will need to use backup contraception for the first week.
• Start the pill at any time of your cycle.
  • If you take the pill within 5 days of the start of your period, you will not need a backup form of contraception.
  • If you start at any other time of your menstrual cycle, you will need to use another form of contraception for 7 days. If your OCP is the type called a minipill, it will protect you from pregnancy after taking it for 2 days (48 hours), and you can stop using backup contraception after that time.

After you have started taking OCPs:

• If you forget to take 1 pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the regular time.
• If you miss 2 or more pills, call your health care provider. Different pills have different instructions for missed doses. Use backup birth control until your next menstrual period starts.
• If you use a 28-day pack that contains inactive pills and you miss 1 of the last 7 pills (pills with no hormones), throw away the rest of the non-hormone pills and start a new pill pack.

No matter which day you start the OCP, you will always start a new pack on that same day of the week. Have an extra pack of OCPs and a backup contraceptive method available in case you miss some pills or lose your OCP pack.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Always use a condom to protect against STIs. OCPs do not protect against STIs.
• Use a calendar to mark the days of your menstrual period.
• Read the information and directions that came with your OCP. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You develop nausea and vomiting.
• You have abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding.
• You develop a rash.
• You miss your menstrual period. Depending on the type of OCP you are taking, this may be a sign of pregnancy. Ask your health care provider for more information.
• You are losing your hair.
• You need treatment for mood swings or depression.
• You get dizzy when taking the OCP.
• You develop acne after taking the OCP.
• You become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• You have diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain or cramps.
• You miss 2 or more pills.

Get help right away if:

• You develop chest pain.
• You develop shortness of breath.
• You have an uncontrolled or severe headache.
• You develop numbness or slurred speech.
• You develop visual or speech problems.
• You develop pain, redness, and swelling in your legs.
• You develop weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.

Summary

• Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are medicines that you take to prevent pregnancy.
• OCPs do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use a condom to protect against STIs.
• When you start an OCP, be aware that it can take 2–3 months for your body to adjust to changes in hormone levels.
• Read all the information and directions that come with your OCP.