What are birth control pills?
Birth control pills contain two hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They work by stopping ovulation (release of an egg) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Among typical couples who use the pill, about 5 percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This is because sometimes pills are not used correctly. If pills are used consistently and correctly, just one in 1,000 women will become pregnant. Use a backup contraceptive for the first seven days of your first pack of pills. You do not need to use a backup method during the hormone-free days of your pill pack. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the specific pill brand you are taking.

What are the advantages?

• Pills decrease a woman's risk for cancer of the ovary and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). They also lower your chances of having benign breast masses (breast masses which are NOT cancer), ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• Pills decrease women's menstrual cramps and pain.

• They reduce menstrual blood loss and a woman's risk for anemia.

• Acne often improves, and hair growth on the face is reduced.

• Some clinicians will provide three to six months of pills without a pelvic exam.

• You can control the cycle so as not to have your period during certain times (honeymoon, exams, etc.).

What are the disadvantages?

• Pills do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you may be at risk.

• You have to remember to take the pill every day.

• You may have nausea and/or spotting, mostly during the first few cycles on pills.

• Pills tend to make periods very short and scanty. You may see no blood at all. Most women like this when they understand it is normal.

• Taking the pill may cause headaches, depression, anxiety, fatigue, mood changes or decreased enjoyment of sex in some women.

• A backup contraceptive is required for two weeks if you have any question about how many pills you have missed and whether a backup is necessary.

• Serious complications like blood clots may occur but are very rare.

• Pills can be quite expensive and require a prescription.

• Pills may promote growth of breast cancer but probably do not cause breast cancer. They may lead to higher rates of one type of cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma of the cervix).

• After stopping pills, you may not get your period for one to three months, although this situation is rare.

Where can I get pills?
In the United States you need a prescription. You can get pills from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, health department or family planning clinic.

What if I have sex and don't use birth control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.

If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of help are free.

The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website. Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.