Center for Young Women's HealthBirth control pills are often prescribed by health care providers to treat certain medical conditions such as heavy periods. Because there is less menstrual bleeding when taking birth control pills, … read more
Articles Tagged: birth control pills
I take birth control pills. Do I have to take the “inactive pills”? Why do I have to bleed during this time?
Most birth control pill packages are made up of 21 days of active pills (one color) followed by 7 days of “inactive” pills (a different color), however there are some … read more
Is it normal not to bleed the full week of your period when using birth control pills?
Yes. When on the Pill, the lining of your uterus doesn’t become very thick so very little blood needs to come out each month. It is perfectly normal to have … read more
Continuous Hormonal Treatment
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), the Patch, and Vaginal Ring Hormonal treatment including birth control pills, the patch, and the vaginal ring may be taken cyclically (with a week break) or … read more
I accidently took the third week Sunday (birth control) pill instead of the second week Sunday (birth control pill). What should I do?
If all of the pills in the first three weeks of your pill pack are the same color, you don’t have to worry because they all contain the same amount … read more
I’ve recently switched from the patch to the Pill. The first month back on the Pill, I missed a few days, so I decided to wait till the next month to start it again which made my period come early. I’ve been taking the Pill consistently now but because I took a few pills in the first row already, I am going to run out of pills and my period is going to come early. What should I do? Is it dangerous to have my period come early?
This is a great question! Many young women find it hard to remember to take the Pill (or any medicine) every day. There are some things you can try, to … read more
I want to go on the pill but don’t want my mom to know – what do I do?
In many, but not all states in the United States, your health care provider (HCP) can prescribe birth control pills without your parents’ knowledge. You can check whether this rule … read more
How much do I know about contraception?
There are many types of contraception that vary in how effective they are at preventing pregnancy, how much they cost, how easy they are to use, and whether they also protect against STIs. Take our quiz to see how much you know about the different kinds!
I’ve never had sex and I have regular periods without pain. Should I take birth control pills anyway?
Deciding to take the birth control pill is a very personal choice. For some, the Pill may also help in to make periods lighter, shorter, or more regular. It can … read more
I recently started taking birth control. I am on my second pack of pills, and I was wondering when it is safe to have sex without a condom?
It is never really “safe” to have sex without a condom unless you and your partner are having sex for the very first time and you have never been sexually … read more