Center for Young Women's HealthGreat question! There are many different types of birth control pills and pill packages. The most common pill package contains 21 active pills (those with hormones) and 7 placebo pills … read more
Articles Tagged: birth control pills
I’ve been on the combined pill for years to control my period. If I am thinking about having sex, but I don’t want to get pregnant, how accurate would I have to be when taking the pill and for how long before having sex?
Great question, thank you! The combined pill contains two active hormones: estrogen and progestin (a hormone that is similar to progesterone). Just like with any birth control pill, whether you … read more
I am currently on the birth control pill (BCP). This month I decided to skip the placebo week “sugar pills” and just start a new pill pack. I’ve heard that when you to do this you’re supposed to have spotting, but I haven’t. I have sex regularly, could this be a sign that I’m pregnant or did I just get lucky?
This is a great question, so glad you asked! There are many different reasons why people use the “birth control” pill (BCP.) Some may use the pill to prevent pregnancy, … read more
I take melatonin every few weeks because sometimes I have trouble sleeping. Am I at risk for any side effects from being on the Pill?
Great question, thank you! Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally made by a gland in the body called the “pineal gland” (which helps us sleep). You can also buy … read more
Is it OK to skip the placebo pills and start on the next pack of birth control?
Thanks for your question. Since there are many types of birth control pills, you should check with your health care provider (HCP) first, to make sure it is safe for … read more
Is there a hormone test you can have done to determine the best birth control for you? Or do you just have to try a birth control and see how your body reacts?
Thanks for your question! It would be great if there was a test that could predict what type of birth control pill is right for you. Since there isn’t a … read more
I am going on vacation in a month but I’m supposed to get my period at the same time. Is there any way to make my period come faster or delay it so I can enjoy my vacation?
Delaying your period is sometimes possible if you are taking a birth control pill that has the same amount of hormone in all of the pills during the first 3 … read more
My boyfriend and I want to have sex but I’m afraid of getting pregnant. We plan to use condoms but should we wait until I am on the birth control pill?
Waiting to have sex until you are on birth control pills is the best choice to prevent pregnancy since the pill is more effective than condoms alone. Latex condoms lower … read more
If I go on birth control to help me have a regular period would it still help me not get pregnant?
Yes! The Pill has many benefits besides regulating your period. It is very effective in preventing pregnancy if you take it exactly as you are supposed– one pill a day, … read more
It turns out my period will likely arrive on the first day of my vacation. Can I delay my period by starting the next pill pack without taking the inactive pills in my pill pack? Will the Pill still be effective?
Check with your health care provider (HCP) to make sure there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t keep taking active birth control pills in order to delay your period. You … read more