What is the Pill?
The pill is a form of birth control that you take every day on a regular schedule. There are two different types of birth control pills— one contains both estrogen and progestin, while the other contains only progestin. Both work by preventing ovulation and thickening the mucus of the cervix so sperm can’t enter.
The progestin-only pill must be taken at the same time each day within a 3-hour window. Progestin-only pills come with no placebos and are taken for the entire 28 days. You may stop bleeding while you’re on the progestin-only option, or you may have spontaneous spotting.
Combination pills can be more complicated so your gynecologist will make sure you understand your schedule. Often, the combination pill comes with some placebo pills during which you’ll get your period at the end of the month. However, some women skip taking these for different reasons.
Is the Pill right for me?
The pill is a very reliable birth control method that has been around for a long time. The type of pill that works best for you will depend on factors like your health and preferences. Some women should avoid estrogen-containing birth control methods, so the progestin-only pill can be a good alternative. On the other hand, estrogen-containing birth control can have some health benefits for other women. Either pill requires you to stay on top of your schedule so it can be helpful to set reminders on your phone or calendar. You can stop taking the pill any time and can also get pregnant soon after.
What are the risks?
Because the pill needs to be taken regularly, there is some margin for error, and you may forget or miss your window. This means you can become pregnant if something happens and you don’t take your pill. Additionally, the pill can come with side effects that might cause symptoms or negatively affect your sexual drive. The pill does not protect against STDs, so you should be sure and use condoms during sex along with the pill. Condoms can also help prevent pregnancy in case you forget to take a pill.
How do I get started on the Pill?
The pill requires a prescription from your gynecologist. Your gynecologist can also recommend the right type of pill for you and the schedule on which you should take it. Once you fill your prescription, you can start taking the pill right away.
Schedule a Consultation
The pill is a very safe and reliable method of birth control that has a long history of use. To get started and meet with our expert gynecologists, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
