Difference between revisions of "Remember to Take Your Birth Control Pills"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Taking Your Birth Control Pill === | === Taking Your Birth Control Pill === | ||
| − | #Start your pill the day after your period ends. The pill can technically be started at any time, but most doctors recommend this as it is the simplest way to begin. <ref>http://www.webmd.com/birth-control-pills?page=3</ref> | + | #Start your pill the day after your period ends. The pill can technically be started at any time, but most doctors recommend this as it is the simplest way to begin. <ref name="rf1">http://www.webmd.com/birth-control-pills?page=3</ref> |
| − | #*If you begin right after your last period, the pill is usually effective right away. However, some doctors recommend using condoms or spermicide (or an additional "back-up" method of birth control for the first month just to make sure). <ref | + | #*If you begin right after your last period, the pill is usually effective right away. However, some doctors recommend using condoms or spermicide (or an additional "back-up" method of birth control for the first month just to make sure). <ref name="rf1" /> |
#*The pill generally consists of 21 days of hormone treatment, followed by 7 days "off" (or 7 days of sugar pills, depending what type of pill you are on). Newer pills may only have 4 days 'off' to shorten the duration of the bleeding. | #*The pill generally consists of 21 days of hormone treatment, followed by 7 days "off" (or 7 days of sugar pills, depending what type of pill you are on). Newer pills may only have 4 days 'off' to shorten the duration of the bleeding. | ||
#Take your pill at the same time every day. It does not matter what time of day you take it, just that you are consistent with it each day. | #Take your pill at the same time every day. It does not matter what time of day you take it, just that you are consistent with it each day. | ||
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#*If you have forgotten just one pill, take two the following day and resume your normal schedule from there. | #*If you have forgotten just one pill, take two the following day and resume your normal schedule from there. | ||
#*If you have forgotten two or more consecutive pills and have had unprotected intercourse, it is advisable to use something called "emergency contraception." This can be used up to 5 days after intercourse has taken place to prevent pregnancy. | #*If you have forgotten two or more consecutive pills and have had unprotected intercourse, it is advisable to use something called "emergency contraception." This can be used up to 5 days after intercourse has taken place to prevent pregnancy. | ||
| − | #*Options for emergency contraception include Plan B (a progestin-only pill, 89% risk reduction) and Yuzpe (a mixture of progestin and estrogen, 56-89% risk reduction). <ref>https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/birth-control-pregnancy/emergency-contraception-ecp</ref> | + | #*Options for emergency contraception include Plan B (a progestin-only pill, 89% risk reduction) and Yuzpe (a mixture of progestin and estrogen, 56-89% risk reduction). <ref name="rf2">https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/birth-control-pregnancy/emergency-contraception-ecp</ref> |
#*These can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. | #*These can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. | ||
| − | #*Both pills work better the sooner they are taken, but are effective anytime up to 5 days after having unprotected intercourse. <ref | + | #*Both pills work better the sooner they are taken, but are effective anytime up to 5 days after having unprotected intercourse. <ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Another option for emergency contraception is insertion of a Copper IUD (99.2% risk reduction). <ref | + | #*Another option for emergency contraception is insertion of a Copper IUD (99.2% risk reduction). <ref name="rf2" /> |
#*If you have consistent trouble remembering to take your birth control pills, despite the methods suggested above, perhaps it is wise to consider an alternate method of contraception. Some alternate options are outlined in the next section. | #*If you have consistent trouble remembering to take your birth control pills, despite the methods suggested above, perhaps it is wise to consider an alternate method of contraception. Some alternate options are outlined in the next section. | ||
=== Understanding Other Options for Birth Control === | === Understanding Other Options for Birth Control === | ||
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#*IUDs, after being inserted, last last 3-10 years (depending on the IUD) without needing to be changed. You do not need to "remember" to take a pill on a daily basis, which can be simpler for many women. | #*IUDs, after being inserted, last last 3-10 years (depending on the IUD) without needing to be changed. You do not need to "remember" to take a pill on a daily basis, which can be simpler for many women. | ||
#*IUDs are also a more effective means of contraception, with over a 99% success rate (as opposed to a 91% average efficacy with the pill). | #*IUDs are also a more effective means of contraception, with over a 99% success rate (as opposed to a 91% average efficacy with the pill). | ||
| − | #Inquire about other options for contraception with your family doctor. There are numerous options available, including injections, patches, male and female condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides to name a few. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/UnintendedPregnancy/PDF/Contraceptive_methods_508.pdf</ref> | + | #Inquire about other options for contraception with your family doctor. There are numerous options available, including injections, patches, male and female condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides to name a few. <ref name="rf3">http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/UnintendedPregnancy/PDF/Contraceptive_methods_508.pdf</ref> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
