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Eligibility After Hours Care Clinical Services Emergencies General Health Immunizations Important Information on Immunizations Pre-Registration Requirements Phone Directory Privacy Policy Related Links Student Health Insurance Waiver		Birth Control Pills One of the safest and most effective ways to prevent pregnancy is "the pill." This method of contraception involves swallowing a tiny pill daily on either the 21, 28, 91 or 365 day programs. Birth control pills are prescribed medicine and must be used correctly to be effective. How Does the Pill Work? Many birth control pills contain synthetic forms of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These synthetic hormones mimic the effects of naturally produced hormones, producing a steady synthetic hormone level in the body to suppress ovulation. Since no egg is released, pregnancy does not occur. Effectiveness 98% The Diaphram vs. The Pill College women who have chosen the diaphragm over the pill should know that diaphragms have a very high failure rate among younger women, according to studies by the Center for Disease Control's Reproductive Health Unit. Of 100 typical users under age 22 who begin the year using diaphragms, an average of 33 are pregnant by the end of the year. The corresponding number of pregnancies in pill users under age 22 is only 4.7 (This failure rate is attributed to incorrect and inconsistent use.) How Safe is the Pill? The health risks involved in taking the pill during the '60s and '70s have been greatly reduced today. The pills in use today typically contain only 1/3 the estrogen and 1/10 to 1/25 the progesterone of earlier pills. Also, pills are not prescribed for women of all age groups and health conditions. The most serious risk to pill users is the increased possibility of stroke or heart attack. However, among all women less than 35 years and among nonsmoking women less than 45 years, there are no significant differences in death rates from circulatory diseases between those who take the pill and those who don't. The number of such deaths in women in their early 20s is so small that accurate conclusions cannot be drawn. Other side effects of pill use, such as weight gain, may bother some women, but do not cause serious health problems. Women who use the pill may experience slight weight gain as a result of cyclical fluid retention or increased appetite. A clinician can monitor any weight fluctuations and may change your pill prescription as needed to modify any hormonal effects. Nausea can be a problem on the pill but usually lessens after the first few months. Pills should be taken with meals if nausea occurs. Some pill users experience depression, while others have increased feelings of well-being. Depression on the pill may often be related to a deficiency of vitamin B6 and can be treated with a diet supplement. In general, numerous medical studies over the past 25 years, involving hundreds of thousands of women, show that for most healthy young women, the benefits of using the pill outweigh the risks. Advantages When used consistently and correctly, birth control pills provide the most effective form of contraception, aside from abstinence and sterilization. Pills do not interrupt lovemaking and provide protection every day of the month. Other benefits of birth control pills may include: Reduced risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Protection against endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer Reduced chance of tubal pregnancy Protection against fibrocystic breast disease Relief from menstrual problems such as cramps, tension and heavy bleeding Reduced chance of iron deficiency anemia Possible improvements in acne Using Pills Correctly Start taking the pill the first Sunday after your period begins. If your period starts on a Sunday, start the pill that day. If your period begins on Wednesday, start the pill the following Sunday. For 21-day packs Swallow one pill a day for three weeks. Wait one full week during which menstruation will occur. For 28-day packs Swallow one pill a day, every day, in the correct order. Bleeding normally begins about 48 hours after the last active pill. For 91-day packs Swallow one pill a day for 91 days. Bleeding normally comes during the last 7 days of the pill pack. For 365-day packs Swallow one pill a day for 365 days. You will not evperience withdrawal bleeding, but may have occasional break through bleeding or spotting. Before you begin taking the pill, study the literature that is enclosed in your pill pack. This provides detailed information about the specific type of pill prescribed for you. If you have any questions consult SHS. It is important to have a follow-up examination three months after beginning pill usage. Troubleshooting Take the pill at the same time daily, preferably with food to decrease the possibility of nausea. Use another method of birth control during the first month when taking the pill. If you miss a pill, take the missed pill as soon as possible, then take another when normally scheduled. If you miss two pills in a row, take two each day for two days; use a back-up method of birth control until you begin your next pill package. If you miss three pills, begin using a back-up method of birth control immediately. Contact SHS (1-3448) for advice. Spotting or bleeding may occur during the first 2 or 3 cycles of the pill. Continue taking the pill and contact SHS if the bleeding is heavy or prolonged. Scanty or short periods, or lack of periods are common side effects. If you have taken the pill correctly and do not bleed after finishing the pack of pills, start the next pack on schedule and contact SHS for advice. The effectiveness of the pill may be affected by prescription drugs. If you seek medical treatment, make your clinician aware that you are taking the pill. Problems & Risks Pills must not be taken if the following conditions are present: A history of impaired liver function, including active hepatitis, alcohol liver damage, or liver tumor Known or suspected cancer of the breast, cervix, vagina, ovaries, or uterus, or malignant melanoma, at present or in the past Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy Severe migraine headache Serious heart or kidney disease Oral contraceptives do increase the risk of developing four circulatory diseases: Blood clots in the veins Ischemic heart disease (including heart attack) Stroke High blood pressure Remember . . . Serious complications associated with using the pill are rare; however, there are warning signals of which you should be aware. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact SHS immediately: Severe abdominal pain Chest pain or shortness of breath Blurred vision or loss of vision Severe leg pain Putting the Risk of Using the Pill in Perspective Activity Chance of Death in a Year Smoking (one pack a day) 1 in 200 Motorcycling 1 in 1000 Automobile driving 1 in 6000 Pregnancy 1 in 10,000 Using the pill (smoker) 1 in 16,000 Playing football 1 in 25,000 Risking Pelvic Inflammatory Disease through intercourse 1 in 50,000 Using the pill (nonsmoker) 1 in 63,000 Canoeing 1 in 100,000 Legal abortion between 9-12 weeks 1 in 100,000 Adapted from Sexuality: Contraceptive and Reproductive Health Issues, 1986, B.C. Sloane, Charles E. Merrill Publishing Co., Columbus, OH., pp. 31-34.

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Student Health Service  |  Medical College of Georgia Please email comments, suggestions or questions to: studenthealth@mcg.edu. February 28, 2008