Starting Birth Control Pills? 4 Things You Should Know Before You Begin Taking Them
If you've decided to start taking birth control pills, you should know that they will require some care and consideration. They do allow for greater spontaneity than condoms do. However, since they are medication, there are some things that you'll need to know once you start using them. Here are four important pieces of information you should know about your birth control pills.
They Don't Start Working Immediately
Once you're received your birth control pills, you'll need to start taking them according to directions. It's important to note that they won't start working immediately. Instead, they'll need a few days to build up in your system. During those first few days, it will be possible for you to get pregnant. To make sure that doesn't happen, you should use an additional form of birth control for about the first week. Condoms work well during this transition period.
You Should Take Them at the Same Time Daily
When it comes to birth control pills, if you're taking the combination pills, you won't need to take them at the same time each day. However, it's actually best if you do put yourself on a daily schedule. Your daily schedule will help you avoid the possibility of forgetting your pills. If you do forget to take your pill one day, be sure to take it as soon as you remember it within the first 24-hours. One way to avoid those forgotten pills is to set your alarm for a specific time each day.
Some Medication can Make Them Less Effective
When you're taking birth control pills, you'll need to keep track of any other medication you might be prescribed. Some medication can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies. Antibiotics are one particular type of medication that can greatly reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills. If your doctor is going to prescribe antibiotics, or any other type of medication, be sure to ask how it will effect your birth control pills. To be on the safe side, you should consider a secondary form of birth control while you're taking medication, especially antibiotics.
There are Some Side Effects
If you're going to be taking birth control pills, it's important to note that they could cause a few side effects. Some of the most common side effects include bloating, breast soreness, and irritability. If you develop any side effects that are more severe than that, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.