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What to Expect When You Start Using Birth Control Pills?

For most women, starting with birth control pills for the first time can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to make things clearer by explaining what typically happens and what you should expect when you start using birth control pills. It breaks down the changes that might occur, why these changes happen, how long these may last, and what to be cautious about during this adjustment phase.

Key Takeaways:

  • Birth control pills are hormonal medications that are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of birth control pills: combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills (POPs). This blog focuses on COCPs, as they are the most commonly used type.

  • While birth control pills are suitable for most women, some women may experience mild symptoms or side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, spotting, irregular periods, breast tenderness, etc, when starting on the pill. These symptoms usually fade after the first few weeks or months as the body adapts to the pill. Tracking changes and maintaining open communication with a doctor can help manage the adjustment period.

  • Certain habits, health conditions and medications can make birth control pills less safe or effective, for example, smoking, especially after the age of 35, or missing pills.

  • To ensure birth control pills work effectively, avoid missing doses, stick to a consistent daily schedule, and inform your doctor about any medications or supplements. Smoking should be avoided, especially with COCPs, due to increased health risks.

What are Birth Control Pills?

What to Expect When You Start Using Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? What To Expect When You First Start Taking Birth Control Pills What to Avoid While Taking Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are small tablets taken daily by women to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic versions of hormones that naturally exist in the female body: estrogen and progestin.

There are two main types of birth control pills: combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills (POPs). This blog focuses on COCPs, as they are the most commonly used birth control pills.

Birth control pills are over 99% effective when used consistently and correctly. These pills work by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries, a process called ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no egg for sperm to fertilise, making pregnancy unlikely. The pills also thicken the mucus in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus), which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg. Additionally, they thin the lining of the uterus so that even if an egg is released, it cannot easily attach and grow.

When to Start Using Birth Control Pills?

When starting the pill, doctors usually advise beginning on the first day of the period or the first Sunday after the period starts. If the pill is started within the first five days of a period, it usually starts working immediately. If started at any other time in the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to use a condom or another form of backup contraception during the first 7 days, as the pill may take up to 7 days to become effective.

For maximum effectiveness, the pill should be taken at the same time daily. To know more about how to use the pill, click here.

What To Expect When You First Start Taking Birth Control Pills

What to Expect When You Start Using Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? What To Expect When You First Start Taking Birth Control Pills What to Avoid While Taking Birth Control Pills

While birth control pills are suitable for most women, some women may experience mild symptoms or side effects when starting on the pill. These symptoms usually fade after the first few weeks or months as the body adapts to the pill.

This phase of adjustment usually lasts for one to three months. During this time, some users may notice changes in how they feel physically, emotionally, and in their menstrual cycle. Some may experience changes like:

  • Spotting: Light bleeding between periods, known as spotting, is common in the first few cycles. This is because the body is still adjusting to the pills. Spotting usually becomes lighter and less frequent over time.

  • Irregular Periods: Periods may become irregular at first for some users. Some cycles may come earlier or later than expected, or may be skipped entirely. This is a normal response to hormonal changes. Over time, periods often become more regular and lighter than before.

  • Temporary Physical Symptoms: Some women may experience mild physical symptoms, such as:

It is important to remember that not everyone experiences these symptoms. For those who do, these are usually temporary and disappear within one to three months. If these side effects continue or become severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

These initial symptoms are not a sign that the pill is harmful. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that birth control pills are safe and effective for most people.

What to Avoid While Taking Birth Control Pills

What to Expect When You Start Using Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? What To Expect When You First Start Taking Birth Control Pills What to Avoid While Taking Birth Control Pills

Since birth control pills rely on regular, steady hormone levels, some factors can affect how well these work.

  • Missing pills: Taking the pill at the same time every day is essential for maximum effectiveness. Missing pills can reduce effectiveness and increase the chance of pregnancy. If you miss one or more pills, follow the instructions provided in the pill pack.

  • Sticking to schedule: To manage side effects when starting the pill, stay consistent by taking it at the same time every day. Mild symptoms like nausea or spotting often improve within a few weeks. If side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor for guidance.

  • Certain medications and supplements: Some medicines and herbal products can interfere with how the pill works. These include:

    • Medications for seizures or epilepsy

    • Some antibiotics (though this is uncommon)

    • St. John’s Wort (a herbal supplement)

    While using birth control pills, it is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements.

  • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart problems when combined with estrogen-containing pills. This risk is especially serious in users over the age of 35. Avoiding smoking while on the pill is strongly advised.

Knowing what to avoid ensures the pill works as intended and supports the body in adjusting more smoothly.

Conclusion

Overall, birth control pills are a well-studied, widely used, and safe option for most women, offering not just protection against pregnancy, but a chance to better understand and manage one’s reproductive health.

While most women adjust to the pill without any major issues, it is crucial to stay mindful of how the body is responding. If you experience any symptoms or side effects beyond three months, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Speaking to a doctor early helps prevent complications and opens the door to alternative options if needed.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Will I get a withdrawal bleed as soon as I start the pill?


    No, withdrawal bleeding usually happens during the inactive pill break after a 21 or 24 days of active pills. Starting the pill may cause spotting at first for some people, but the actual period-like bleed typically comes later.

  • Can I get pregnant if I miss a pill?

    Missing a pill can reduce its effectiveness. If a pill is missed, it is recommended to take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in a day. If you miss more than one pill, follow the instructions provided with the pill pack. Read more about managing missed pills here.

  • Can birth control pills cause mood changes?

    Some women may experience mood changes when starting the pill, but these are usually temporary. If these changes continue or are severe, it is important to speak with a doctor.

  • Can I drink alcohol while on birth control pills?

    Yes, drinking alcohol does not make the pill less effective. However, drinking too much can make it easy to forget a dose, vomit, or take pills irregularly - so it is important to stay mindful.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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