Birth control pills are oral tablets that are taken to prevent unintentional pregnancy. They are available by prescription and must be taken every day, at the same time each day. There are many types of birth control pills; some contain estrogen and progestin hormones, while others contain only a progestin. Potential side effects include nausea, headaches, and breakthrough bleeding.

What Are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are prescription medications that are taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. Many different birth control pills are currently available (see List of Birth Control Pills). While all birth control pills are approved for preventing pregnancy, some are approved for additional uses.

 

 

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

Birth control pills contain hormones that act in a few different ways to prevent pregnancy. Most birth control pills are classified as combined oral contraceptives and contain two different types of hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. The hormones in combined oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, they also work to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. Birth control pills change the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. They also alter the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.

 

Some birth control pills contain just a progestin and no estrogen. These are known as progestin-only contraceptives. These birth control pills rely more heavily on changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, since they are less effective at preventing ovulation (only about half of the women who take them stop ovulating). In comparison, combined oral contraceptives stop ovulation in almost all women (when taken correctly).

 

Different Kinds of Birth Control Pills

There are several different types of birth control pills, and they can be categorized in a few different ways. One basic way to categorize birth control pills is by the hormone content (combined versus progestin-only). Birth control pills are also divided into types by the different "phases" in each pack (monophasic versus biphasic versus triphasic). Some newer birth control pills are classified as extended-cycle birth control pills, which reduce or eliminate the number of menstrual periods per year. Sometimes, birth control pills are categorized by the strength of the hormones (low-dose versus high-dose).

 

 

When and How to Use Birth Control Pills

General considerations for when and how to use birth control pills include the following:

 

 

Birth Control Pill Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with birth control pills. However, not all women who use them will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate them quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

 

Common side effects of birth control pills include but are not limited to:

 

 

Drug Interactions With Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can interact with a number of other medications (see Birth Control Pill Drug Interactions).

 

Birth Control Pills: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using birth control pills if you have:

 

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

 

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

 

What If I Take an Overdose of Birth Control Pills?

Women who take too much of a birth control pill may experience the following symptoms:

 

 

How Should Birth Control Pills Be Stored?

Keep birth control pills in their original package. The packaging is designed to help you remember to take the tablets each day and in the right order. Keep the package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

 

Keep birth control pills and all other medications out of the reach of children.

 

What If I Miss a Dose of Birth Control Pills?

Missing doses of birth control pills increases the risk of pregnancy. What you should do depends on how many tablets you have missed and where exactly you are in your cycle. Refer to the patient information that comes with each pack of birth control pills or consult your healthcare provider if you are not sure what to do.

 

Generic Birth Control Pills

Currently, many, but not all, birth control pills are available in generic form. Interestingly, all generic birth control pills use their own "brand" names, not the usual generic names (see Generic Birth Control Pills for more information).