Center for Young Women's Health
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
Articles Tagged: birth control pills
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
I have endometriosis and I’ve been taking birth control pills continuously. I have a brownish discharge that I haven’t had for over 3 years and I’m worried. I have a huge workload this semester and I work out a lot at the gym. Can stress or working out cause your birth control not to work?
As long as you are taking your birth control pills at the same time every day and you haven’t missed any doses, the Pill will work. Brown discharge, often called … read more
What happens to the lining of your uterus if you take the Pill continuously and not get a period? Does it build up? Do you not grow a lining?
Great question! If you are NOT taking the Pill (oral contraceptive pills), each month, the lining of your uterus naturally thickens or “builds up” to prepare for a possible pregnancy. … read more
How long does it take the pill to kick in? Say I start the pill on Monday. Can I have unprotected sex on Friday?
No, you will not be protected from STIs or pregnancy. Birth control pills do not protect a woman from sexually transmitted infections. Birth control pills protect from pregnancy after 7 … read more