The pill is an oral contraceptive that contain low doses of two (2) hormones – estrogen and progestin. These hormones are similar to the natural hormones oestrogen and progesterone that a woman’s body produces during her reproductive years
One A Day Keeps the Babies Away
How It Works
One pill is taken every day for 21 or 28 days, depending on the brand. When taken correctly, the hormones cause the ovaries to stop releasing eggs; the cervical mucus to thicken thereby decreasing the sperm’s ability to penetrate through to the womb; and the lining of the uterus not to develop enough for a fertilized egg to implant.
Effectiveness
The pill is 91% effective. It becomes 98% effective when it is taken exactly how it should be taken. Delayed or missed pills reduce its effectiveness.
How To Take The Pill
One pill should be taken each day until the pack is empty.
28-pill packs contain 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills. The active pills contain the hormones. The inactive pills are either placebo pills or iron pills (which are good for you). The reason for the inactive pill is that you remain taking a pill each day so you don’t get confused. If you are taking the pills for the first time, it is best to start the pack on the first day of your period, so you are protected right away. Take one pill at the same time each day, starting with the active pills. When you get to the inactive pills, your period will come during this time. When the pack is finished, it is advised that the first pill from the next pack should be taken on the next day, even if your period is not finished yet. So one pill is taken every day – no breaks.
21-pill packs contain 21 active pills and no inactive pills. If you are taking the pills for the first time, it is best to start the pack on the first day of your period, so you are protected right away. Take one pill at the same time each day. With 21-pill packs, once the last pill from one pack is taken, it is advised to wait for seven (7) days (no more) and then take the first pill from the next pack. If a pack is started late, this may put a woman at risk of pregnancy.
If you forget to take one of your pills, no need to worry, just take it as soon as you remember, even if it is the next day. You would then take your next pill at your regular time. It is okay to take two pills in one day in that case. If you miss two pills in a row, do the same thing. Take the two that you missed as soon as you remember, then the next one as usual.
If you miss two or more pills in a row, it is best to throw the remainder of that pill pack away and start a new pack. You will need to use a condom for the first five (5) days.
- Easy to use
- Reversible, meaning you can stop it at any time
- Affordable
- Helps to regulate periods, and can make them lighter, shorter and less painful
- Some pills can help clear up acne
- It may cause nausea, headaches and spotting for the first few days
- It may cause changes in weight
- It may cause blood clots, heart attack or stroke, especially for women who are heavy smokers or have pre-existing heart conditions. The pill is not recommended for these women
Frequently Asked Questions
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I really want to start taking the pill but estrogen makes me sick. What can I do?
There are pills available that do not contain estrogen. These are the progestin-only pills or ‘mini pill’. Your doctor can prescribe it for you.
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What if I started taking the pill at 7am, but now I want to start taking it at nights, can I switch the times?
Yes, you can. Complete your current pack of pills. When you are starting the new pack, take it at the new time you wish to switch to.
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How soon can I get pregnant when I stop taking the pill?
For majority of women, the pill does not affect their fertility so they are able to get pregnant immediately after they stop taking it. For other women, depending on the type of pill they were taking, it may take a month or so before their fertility returns to normal.
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Does the pill make you gain weight?
Changes in weight can be a side effect of the pill. Some persons gain weight, some lose weight and some remain the same weight.
