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This article was written by Ana Santos and originally posted on FemaleNetwork.com.

Oral contraceptives are just one of the ways women can take control of and responsibility for their bodies. Read this article to learn the basics about the Pill.

1. HOW THE PILL WORKS

“The pill contains synthetic hormones that are made to ones that are already found in our bodies,” says Dizon. “Generally, there are two kinds of pills, the ones that contain only progestogen,* and the ones that contain a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.”

Pills work by altering the mucous lining of the vagina to make it thicker—so thick that the sperm cannot then get through and meet your egg. Essentially, that’s how the pill prevents you from getting pregnant.

*Note: Progestogen-only pills are also frequently known as progestin-only pills, progestins being a synthetic type of progestogen that mimics many of the qualities of the naturally occurring progesterone, which is not a component of the Pill.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

2. EACH WOMAN’S BODY IS DIFFERENT—SO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR BFF MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Fight the urge to buy a brand of pills just because your friend buys it.

“Remember, pills are made of hormones. Every woman has a different body type and hormonal make-up and will thus respond differently to pills,” explains Dizon, who gets calls from women who ask why certain pills have an adverse effect on them, but none on their friends.

“You should also consult your health care provider about what pill to take, especially if you are on other medication which may be counter to the pill,” Dizon stresses.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

3. SHOP AROUND FOR A PILL THAT “FITS” YOU

“It is normal to experience early signs of pregnancy like nausea and breast tenderness—especially for those who are taking the pill for the first time,” says Dizon.

Usually, these effects go away after three to six months—the usual amount of time your body needs to adjust to the intake of pills. If you continue to experience side effects after this period, consult a health care provider and switch to another brand.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

4. PILLS SHOULD BE TAKEN REGULARLY

Many new pill-takers ask how important it is to take the pill at the same time every day. Dizon’s answer? “Very. This is to make sure a steady and measured dose of hormones is supplied to your body.  Taking the pill at the same time every day ensures its efficacy and also helps to minimize any side effects such as spotting.”

To help you remember to take your pill, schedule taking your pill around an activity you do every day like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. If your schedule is really erratic, consider a back up birth control option.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

5. EFFECTIVENESS

“[The Pill is] very effective–if it is taken correctly,” says Dizon. “Almost all forms of birth control and contraception are 99 percent effective. That’s why it is very important to take the pill according to instructions.” According toPlannedParenthood.org, less than 1 out of 100 women will fall pregnant while taking the Pill according to instructions, but 8 out of 100 will fall pregnant with faulty use.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

6. OTHER BENEFITS

They are many other benefits associated with taking the pill, like:

• Regular menstruation: Certain pills can help regulate your monthly cycle, so you’re never caught off guard waiting for your period to come.

• Lessened dysmenorrhea:Some pills also help decrease or even do away with the painful cramps many women experience during their monthlies.

• Better skin: the hormones in some pills also help control those nasty pimple-causing hormones, giving you clearer, glowing skin. Ask your doctor about pills that help regulate androgen hormones (male hormones) that causes problems like oily skin, acne, and unwanted facial hair.

• Reduced cancer risk:Contrary to many women’s beliefs, the Pill does not cause cancer;; in fact, it can reduce a woman’s chances of getting cancer of the endometrium and ovaries. The reported slight increase in the risk for breast cancer is obviated by taking pills based on the national clinical guidelines.

(Photo by pedrosimoes7 via Flickr Creative Commons)

7. WEIGHT GAIN

Some women have reported gaining weight since they started going on the pill. But the good news is that this weight gain is mostly due to water retention—and not due to actual additional pounds—so it’s easily lost as well. Still, remember that what’s true for some women taking a certain pill may not necessarily be true for you too. There are other women who’ve reported losing weight after going on oral contraceptives.

Remember to eat right and exercise regularly. That still remains be the best way to keep the pounds at bay.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

8. PILLS DO NOT CAUSE ABORTION

According to a statement released by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of the Philippines (POGS) on their website, pills “do not cause abortion; in fact they prevent unwanted pregnancies hence nothing to abort.”

Dizon adds to this by saying that, “the content of the pills are estrogen and progesterone, which is already in the woman’s body. If these hormones [were] abortifacient, even without taking the pill, you [would] already have an abortifacient in your body.”

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

9. THE PILL IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

“Pills may not recommended if you have diabetes, heart problems, asthma, epilepsy, or varicose veins,” says Dizon. “The same goes for other hormone-related illnesses like goiter and thyroid.”

“You should also not take the pill if you have cancer. While the pill will not cause cancer, it can exacerbate a pre-existing case of cancer. You really need to consult a health care professional if you have a pre-existing condition or [are] on medication,” she concludes.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

10. WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS A PILL

There are many reasons why women forget to take pills—sometimes it’s because we’re so busy juggling our many roles or we’re caught up in too many things–but don’t panic. For the most part, you can do something about it. To the right is a quick guide on what to do in case you miss taking a pill.

If you’ve missed a pill or gone off-schedule, remember to use a backup. It’s important to note that if you miss two or more “active” pills in a row, you could become pregnant if you have sex in the next seven days. So you need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide.

Even if you’re still not sure what to do about pills you missed, use a backup birth control method (such as condoms or spermicide) and keep taking one “active” pill each day until you can speak with your healthcare professional.

Below are some useful practical tips to remember when taking the Pill:

a. Time taking your pill to a basic morning routine that you would never forget to do like brushing your teeth or washing your face.

b. Remember to keep a spare pack of contraceptive pills on hand so you won’t be late starting your next pack.

c. Use your mobile phone, PC, or a calendar to set an alarm warning you one week in advance of your start date for a new pack. You can also use this to remind you to take your pill every day.

If you have additional questions about oral contraceptive pills or to find out which brand is the best for you, call the FILIPINAY hotline at (02) 477-5555 or call or text (0917) 823-1111 to speak to a health care professional. Hotline operating hours run from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.