Frequently Asked Questions
about Birth Control Drugs
How do birth control chemicals work to prevent pregnancy?
Birth control chemicals which contain estrogen and/or progestin have several major mechanisms of action. Contraceptive mechanisms prevent fertilization; when these fail, additional mechanisms prevent implantation.
Major Pre-Fertilization Mechanisms
Prevents ovulation
Changes cervical mucus to provide a barrier to sperm (probably only a minor contraceptive mechanism)
Major Post-Fertilization Mechanisms
Changes the lining of the uterus to block implantation of the embryo
More about post-conception mechanisms
Do I need to use a backup method in addition to my hormonal contraceptive?
If you start the Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera on the first day of your period, it is considered effective right away. It takes up to seven days for the hormones to become fully effective. However, the first seven days of a woman's cycle are already infertile, so no additional protection is required. If you start the method on any other day than the first day of your period, you need to use a backup plan for up to seven days. For the minipill, you may need a backup method for 28 days. Ask your doctor to be sure. For the Pill, some doctors recommend using a backup method for the first 30 days. This is mainly to be sure that a pregnancy does not occur while you are still getting in the habit of taking a pill every day.
I have just stopped my method because I want to have children. How long should I wait before trying to get pregnant?
It is recommended that you wait until you have had 2-3 normal menstrual cycles before trying to get pregnant. This is because it may take several months before your cycles return to normal after discontinuing a hormonal method. Doctors use the first day of your last menstrual period to determine your due date; if your periods are irregular this may result in an inaccurate date. Also, there is some evidence that birth control drugs may exert a prolonged effect on the endometrium, making it more difficult to become pregnant.
I have stopped using birth control. Why am I unable to conceive?
Because of the prolonged effect of the birth control drugs on your body, you may be infertile for some time. For combined oral contraceptives, the average length of infertility is 2-3 months, but some women will remain infertile for 6 months or more. For Depo-Provera users, infertility typically lasts from 6 to 12 months. You may not have any periods during this time.
Why have my periods stopped? Should I take a pregnancy test?
For users of combined oral-contraceptives, missing a period is not uncommon. If you have not missed a pill you are probably not pregnant, but a pregnancy test may not be a bad idea. If you miss two periods in a row OR if you miss your period and you did miss one of your pills, you could be pregnant. Contact your local pregnancy center immediately for a pregnancy test.
For users of progestin-only methods, lack of periods is common. It probably means that you are not ovulating. However, if you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms (nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, frequent urination, etc.) contact your local pregnancy center for a pregnancy test right away.
Half of all Depo-Provera users have no periods at all during the first year of use. And pregnancy symptoms such as weight gain, mild headaches and breast tenderness are also common side effects of the drug. This can be alarming for Depo-Provera users, but usually the pregnancy-like symptoms disappear. Even after using Depo-Provera, it takes on average 10 months from the time of the last injection for normal periods and fertility to return. Other reasons why your period may be late.
If you have stopped using your method, it may take time for your periods to return to normal. See above.
I'm on combined OCs and didn't get my period. How can I tell if I'm pregnant?
If your period does not start during the last few days on the "reminder" pills or during the first 3 days of the pill-free interval, take your temperature with a Basal Body Temperature (BBT) thermometer in the morning before you get out of bed. (You can get a BBT thermometer from most drug stores.) If your temperature is 98 degrees F for 3 days in a row during the pill-free week, you are probably not pregnant. You can also take a home pregnancy test, which are usually accurate by the time you miss your period, or visit a local pregnancy resource center for a free, accurate test.
What if I forget to take a pill?
Combined OCs It is recommended that you take that pill as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at the regular time, even if it means you take two pills in one day. You will probably not get pregnant, but just to be sure, you might use a back-up method for 7 days. If you have missed any of pills 15-21, ask your doctor or pharmacist for special instructions. S/he may ask you to continue taking your pills, but to start a new pack instead of taking the reminder pills.
Progestin-Only OCs It is recommended that you take that pill as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at the regular time, even if it means you take two pills in one day. You will need to use a back-up method for the next 2 days.
Can I use oral contraceptives to change the date my period comes?
Yes, but you will need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for details. This practice can compromise the effectiveness of the pill. You might also ask your doctor about a new type of combined OC pill where women get their periods only four times a year. It works by reducing the number of pill-free intervals which trigger menstruation.
Why am I having irregular bleeding?
Mid-cycle spotting is not uncommon for users of the pill, especially during the first few months of use. When this happens, typically doctors prescribe a stronger formulation of the pill. Spotting is an indication of decreased pill effectiveness, so some doctors recommend using a back-up method should spotting occur. However, spotting could also be a symptom of the STD chlamydia, so you should be tested if you are at risk.
Users of Norplant and Depo-Provera can expect irregular menstrual patterns. No periods, light periods, and even prolonged or heavy bleeding are all potential side-effects. If you have prolonged or heavy bleeding, you should contact your doctor.
If I take my pill every day can I still get pregnant?
Yes. All methods of birth control can fail, even if you use them perfectly. If you miss a pill, take a mini-pill only a few hours late, or take antibiotics that will increase the likelihood of contraceptive failure.
I took the pill before I knew I was pregnant. Can the hormones hurt my baby?
There is no conclusive evidence that a brief exposure to birth control chemicals will cause any sort of birth defect in the unborn child. However, you should avoid taking if these drugs if you think you might be pregnant.
Who should not use hormonal methods of birth control?
Women who are pregnant (known or suspected)
Women who are breastfeeding and fewer than 6*8 weeks postpartum
Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding
Women with active liver disease (viral hepatitis) or a history of liver tumors
Women over age 35 who smoke
Women with a history of heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
Women with a history of blood clotting problems or diabetes
Women with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
Women with cancer or a history of cancer in any reproductive organs
Women with migraines and focal neurologic symptoms
Women with moral objections to this type of birth control
Do birth control chemicals have unpleasant side-effects or health hazards?
Combined OCs
Common Side-Effects (not comprehensive)
Weight gain
Acne or dark-colored areas on face
Nausea/Vomiting (especially at the beginning)
Dizziness
Headache
Depression
Acne and/or oily skin
Weight gain
Vaginal infections
High blood pressure
Less Common Serious Health Hazards
Blood clots in lung or brain, stroke
Liver tumors
Heart attacks
Gallbladder disease
Cancer
Progestin-Only Methods
Common Side-Effects (not comprehensive)
Untimely bleeding or spotting between periods
Prolonged menstrual bleeding (8 days or more)
No bleeding at all (amenorrhea) for several months or over a year
Headache (very common)
Nervousness/anxiety
Lower abdominal pain
Dizziness
Loss of sex drive (libido)
Depression
Acne and/or oily skin
Change of appetite
Weight gain
Breast tenderness (mastalgia)
Increased facial or body hair growth (hirsutism) or hair loss
Whitish vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
Excessive growth of body/facial hair or hair loss
Infection the implants site for Norplant
A brief period of pain or itching
Enlarged ovarian follicles
Bone density loss
Less Common Serious Health Hazards
Ectopic pregnancy
Cancer
My mom said she took birth control before I was born, and the doctor said they don't know why I was born with birth defect.