When do I start taking my pills?

• There are two ways to start taking your pills: the "Day One Start" and the "Sunday Start"
• For "Day One Start"
• Take your first pill on the first day of your menstrual period, regardless of what day of the week it is.
• For "Sunday Start"
• Take your first pill on the Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on Sunday, take your first pill that same day.

Are my birth control pills effective immediately?

• No. Birth control pills require time to take effect. You should use condoms or another barrier method of birth control for at least 2 weeks after starting birth control pills.

What should I do if I miss taking my pill?

• It is important to remember that missed pills could result in pregnancy. If you think you could be pregnant, you can check a home pregnancy test or contact the office.
• If you miss one pill:
• Take your missed pill as soon as you remember. You will take your next pill at its normal time. This means that you may take 2 pills in one day, or at the same time. Condoms or other barrier methods are suggested for 1 week when you miss a pill. Continue taking the rest of your pills on schedule.
• If you miss two pills in a row:
• Take 2 pills today and 2 pills tomorrow in order to "catch up." Use condoms or another barrier method for 2 weeks if you engage in sexual intercourse.
• If you miss three or more pills in a row:
• Start using condoms or another barrier method immediately and call the office for further instruction.

What should I know about birth control pills and antibiotic use?

• Some studies have shown that the use of certain antibiotics to treat infection may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. If prescribed antibiotics, you should use condoms or another barrier method during treatment.
• Ask your doctor about any special instructions regarding your birth control and antibiotics.

What if I am using pills to regulate my periods, not just for birth control?

• If you are taking birth control pills because of heavy, painful, or irregular periods do not expect results right away.
• It will take anywhere from one to three months for you to notice a change in your menstrual problems.
• If your periods are worse on birth control pills, notify your doctor.

What side effects might I experience?

• Many women have spotting or light bleeding between their periods during the first one to three months on the pills.
• Taking a pill late or missing a pill can also cause spotting or light bleeding, even if you "make up" for the missed pill.
• Other common side effects include:
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Mild headaches
• Sore breasts
• Dizziness
• Slight weight gain or loss
• These problems usually go away in three months or less. They are not dangerous to your health
• If you have any of these problems, be sure to keep taking your pills regularly. Skipping pills can make some of these problems worse.
• If these problems bother you too much, contact the office. A different pill may help solve the problem.

What if I miss a period?

• Missed periods can be common for women on birth control pills. Do not stop taking your pills.
• If you ahve just finished your very first pack of pills and did not have a period, or if you missed one or more pills in your last pack and miss your period, call the office. You may need a pregnancy test.
• If you are taking birth control pills and think you might be pregnant, call the office. If you do get pregnant while taking birth control pills, the chance of complications or birth defects is very small.
• Remember that your periods may be lighter when you are taking the pill. You may just have one or two days of light bleeding.

What if I want to stop taking birth control pills?

• If you plan to stop your pills for a short time only, that is not a good idea. Unplanned pregnancies often result.
• If you do decide to stop your pills, be sure to finish your current pack.
• Once you stop taking the pill you can become pregnant right away. If you are planning a pregnancy you should start taking prenatal vitamins.
• Your periods may be irregular for the first one to two months after you stop taking the pill.

What warning signs should I watch out for?

• Women on birth control pills run a small, but increased, risk of blood clot or stroke. Call your doctor's office if you notice any of the following:
• Abdominal pain (pain in the stomach area that is severe)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headaches that are severe and throbbing, or only on one side of the head
• Eye problems, such as blurred or double vision, blindness
• Swelling or severe pain in one leg
• Weakness and/or numbness on one side of your body