Birth control pills are a safe method with hormones that prevent pregnancy. They come in a pack, and you take 1 pill every day at the same time. Each pill sends chemical messages to prevent ovulation from happening and sperm from making it into the uterus.
No. While the pill is an effective way to prevent pregnancy, it doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms or internal condoms and combining these with the pill is a great way to prevent diseases and pregnancy at the same time.
The most common birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones. The second type is progestin-only pills. Some pills come in a 28 days pack, and you take them every day from day 1 to 28, and then you start a new pack.
Other pills come in a 21 days pack, and you take them every day from day 1 to 21. From day 22 to 28 you don't take any pills (that’s the week when you will have your period), and then you start a new box again for days 1 to 21.
There are many different brands for each group.
Take each pill every day at the same time. If someone misses a pill for one day, they should keep on taking them and use a backup method during that week, like a condom or use emergency contraception if they had sex that could result in a pregnancy.
Many people find it to be a great method! They like that they still have periods and appreciate knowing that each day they are taking action to prevent pregnancy. Another benefit of taking the pills is that if someone wants to stop using them, they can do it by themselves – without the assistance of a health provider.
Keep in mind that it’s not safe to smoke while taking the pills because it can increase the chance of someone having a stroke. If someone wants to stop using the pills but still wants to prevent pregnancy, they can stop applying them themselves, and select a different birth control method. Taking the pills on and off is not recommended.
Talking with a health provider is a great place to start. It can also be helpful to talk with friends or trusted adults in your life. Everyone is different, what works best for one person might not be what works best for you.
If you are in Pueblo, Colorado, contact the Family Planning Clinic from Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
English: Call (719) 583-4380. Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Español: Llama (719) 583-4376. Lunes a viernes 8:00 AM a 4:30 PM.
If you are somewhere else in the United States you can find other resources here.