In this article, UTEP students can find the most commonly questioned aspects of the method of contraceptive known as “the pill.” This method is commonly used due to its practicality in taking a pill which for many people can be easy but for others can be complicated as it must be taken every single day preferably around the same time. As Healthy Miners, we recommend to take a form of birth control alongside with a protective barrier such as male and female condoms when practicing sexual activity with a partner. Some side effects are also possible to appear and it can be a complicated form of contraception for many females and for their partners. Nevertheless, we recommend you explore the different forms of birth control and talk to your physician to choose the best form of birth control for you and your partner.
What are the effects of the pill?
You have to take the pill every day.
It’s really important to take your birth control pill every day, or you might not be protected from unplanned pregnancies. Using reminder apps, setting an alarm, or keeping your pill pack next to things you use every day (like your toothbrush or phone charger) can help you remember to take your pill.
If you have a really busy life and think you might not remember to take a pill every day, check out other birth control methods like IUDs or implants that are almost impossible to mess up. Take our quiz for help finding the birth control method that’s best for you.
There can be negative side effects.
Like most medications, birth control pills can have side effects. But most usually go away after two or three months. Many people use the pill with no problems at all.
The hormones in the pill can change your level of sexual desire. You may also notice bleeding between periods (most often with progestin-only pills), sore breasts, or nausea.
You may have spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea or headaches. These usually go away after 2 or 3 months.
Birth control shouldn’t make you feel sick or uncomfortable. Luckily, you have many birth control options. If you keep having side effects that bother you after using the pill for 3 months, talk with your nurse or doctor about finding another brand of pill or another birth control method. Just don’t stop taking the pill before you start a new method or you’ll be at risk of pregnancy.
Some side effects of the pill are serious.
Serious problems from taking the birth control pill are very uncommon. People using birth control that have estrogen, like combination pills, have a slightly higher chance of having a few rare but dangerous problems than people who don’t use birth control with hormones. Read more about birth control pill safety.
Check out the package insert that came with your pills or talk to your nurse or doctor for more information about side effects.
By: Peer Educator Geneva Nieto
