Oral contraception pills are a popular birth control method for avoiding unplanned pregnancies. Combination and mini-pills have a cycle of dosage and need to be taken on prescribed schedule in order to maximize birth control pill effectiveness.

How effective are birth control pills?

When consumed in perfect fashion (no forgetting at all, taken according to prescription), birth control pills have a 0.3% failure rate. However, research shows that with typical use (occasional forgetting) the failure rate goes all the way up to 9%. This means an average of 9 women out of a 100 using the pill experience an unwanted pregnancy.

Proper use really is the key here. Pills should be taken diligently, but because of a busy lifestyle or other factors that may be very difficult.

Forgetting is actually quite common. Our own research has shown almost 80% of women forget the pill at least once per year.

How to Maximize Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?

Timing:

Timing is the most important factor to ensure the effectiveness of the pill. You must take the contraceptive pill at the same time every day. This doesn’t need to be “on the dot” if using the combination pill, but if you’re on the mini-pill you should keep a very close eye on your schedule.

Timing is the most important factor to ensure the effectiveness of the pill.

Take the pill either in the morning or before you go to sleep. You can also mark the days on your calendar or set an alarm on your smartphone. For more tips on how to remember, check our earlier blog post on this very topic.

An American Accreditation Healthcare Commission approved research by the University of Maryland also stated that the perfect time for contraceptives to be used is right after intercourse occurs.

Consumption and digestion of foods and drugs:

To have a proper effect the pill should be absorbed by the body entirely. This can, however, be impacted by vomiting or diarrhea, which can expel the pill out of the body before it has had the chance to be absorbed (usually takes 1-2 hrs).

To have a proper effect the pill should be absorbed by the body entirely.

Also if you are having other drugs on the same day as the pill, they may interfere with the oral contraceptive. Medications of this sort include for example a certain type of antibiotic, seizure medications and antifungal treatments. Here is a more thorough listing of things that can cause birth control pill failure.

It is also possible that laxative supplements such as psyllium may have an adverse effect on pill absorption. If you are using such supplements, ingest them a few hours after taking the pill to make sure and maximize birth control pill effectiveness.

Speaking of supplements, a much discussed topic has also been how some foods and herbs and the phytoestrogens they contain interfere with the pill. Phytoestrogens are dietary estrogens that mimic the estrogen in the body.

For example soybeans, nuts and oilseeds have relatively high concentrations, but more research is still needed to draw any solid conclusions whether eating these in moderation interact with pill efficiency.

Limit alcohol use:

Alcohol doesn’t influence the pill’s effectiveness, but it can affect your ability to remember to take it. If you take your pill and then throw up within a few hours, whether from illness or alcohol consumption, you may need to take another pill.

What if I miss a pill?

With a busy schedule and a lot on your plate, it’s easy to not remember the pill. Or sometimes you just, well… forget. Here’s what to do in those cases to maximize birth control pill effectiveness:

If you have missed one pill or took your first pill from the pack late:

• Take the pill even if it means taking two on the same day and then go on with the dosage cycle as you normally would.
• Take the reminder pills (dummy pills) to stay on track with the cycle.

If you have missed more than one pill between packs:

• In case the number of pills left is more than seven, finish the pack and take the inactive pills accordingly before you start a fresh pack.
• In case the number of pills left is less than seven, skip the inactive pills and start a new pack.
• If you are about to have sex, use an additional contraceptive method such as a condom.

When you have missed a mini-pill:

• If you’re more than 3 hours late, have the pill immediately. Take only one pill even if you have missed more than one pill.
• The next pill must be taken as scheduled (even if it means taking two on the same day)
• Use condoms for the next 48 hours or do not have unprotected sex if you have missed a pill.
• If you have unprotected sex within the 48 hours, you may have to use emergency contraceptives.

It is important to note that a medical professional must be consulted with before using birth control pills and any issues must be reported immediately to ensure health and safety.

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References:

http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-pills
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception-guide/pages/miss-progestogen-only-pill.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception-guide/pages/miss-combined-pill.aspx

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Birth control pills are highly effective when taken according to prescription. However, like any medication, birth control pills too come with possible side effects. Knowing the birth control pills side effects will help diagnose any problems that may occur after taking the pill.

What then are birth control pill side effects? Here are a few common adverse reactions that women on pills or considering taking the pills should be aware of. Please note that you should consult your doctor if any of the side effects are prolonged or severe.

1 Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common birth control pill side effects. It occurs occasionally with the intake of the pill. To avoid nausea, the pill can be taken after eating dinner or before bedtime. The symptoms usually subside after 2-3 months.

2. Depression

Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which can have a direct effect on neurotransmitters and may cause an imbalance. This may lead to depression. However, there are several factors that can cause depression and therefore it is important to determine the real cause before passing it off as a side effect of the pill! Read our comprehensive article on do birth control pills cause depression.

3. Sore or Enlarged Breasts

The pill contains a high dose of estrogen which is a hormone that is most associated with bloating. This may cause your breasts to appear enlarged. Some women even experience breast soreness and tenderness after consuming the pill. However, these are mild hormone changes caused by intake of estrogen and should not lead to any serious health concerns.

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4. Acne

There are several types of birth control pills with a combination of synthetic hormones. Some pills lower the androgen levels and are known to actually decrease the chances of severe acne. At the same time there are pills that contain progestin, which is androgen-based. These pills are known to trigger acne and breakouts on the skin.

5. Headache

While headaches can occur due to stress and lack of sleep among other factors, the pill can have an effect on headache too. Although it cannot cause the headache, having the pill can make headaches worse in some cases. Women who suffer from sinus and migraines must consult their doctor before taking the pill.

6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Women may experience spotting or light bleeding in the first few weeks of taking the pill. Birth control pill side effects may even include heavier bleeding for some women, in which case a doctor must be consulted with. For smokers it may be helpful as a first measure to avoid smoking or quit altogether. In general smoking can possibly also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

What about birth control pills and weight gain? While many women swear they’ve gained weight because of the pill, research does not fully support this view. We’ve written more about do birth control pills make you fat.

Birth control pills can even have other side -effects like yeast infection, blood clots, and infertility in some very extreme cases. It is important to note that any peculiar health issues must be reported to a health professional immediately to avoid any future concerns.

But it’s not all gloomy. Besides from the obvious use to prevent unwanted pregnancy, birth control pills have been discovered to also provide positive side effects. These include easing PMS mood swings, less painful periods, less menstrual migraines and protection against some cancer types (endometrial and ovarian cancer).

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Reference:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/280881-acne-caused-by-birth-control-pills/
http://bodyecology.com/articles/dangers_birth_control_pill.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290196.php
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2815%2900212-0/abstract
http://www.parents.com/parenting/relationships/postpartum-birth-control/side-effects-of-birth-control/