The Pill 101
A lot of girls around the world are already “on the Pill” – or
are considering taking it. Most girls take it not necessarily to prevent
pregnancy but also to solve major menstrual problems. But it’s
always smart to first learn more about the Pill before you decide to
take it yourself.
The Pill, or oral contraception, is one of the simplest, safest and
most effective methods of birth control. When used correctly – taken
at the same time everyday - it's up to 99.7 percent effective in reducing
the risk of pregnancy. Although, it is important to remember that the
Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
So you’ll still have to use condoms if you’re having sex.
The Pill is actually a combination of two female hormones: estrogen
and progestin (the man-made version of progesterone). It works by preventing
the monthly release of a woman’s eggs. The Pill also thickens
a woman’s cervical mucus to keep the sperm from meeting the egg.

However, the medication in each pill lasts only about 24 hours, which
is why it must be taken everyday to prevent pregnancy.
Aside from being an incredibly effective form of birth control, the
Pill does a lot of surprisingly good things for your body:
• Clears up acne
•
Curbs excess hair growth
•
Makes for lighter, less crampy periods
•
Reduces the danger of anemia from heavy bleeding
•
Helps protect you from ovarian and endometrial cancer, even after 30
years of stopping the Pill
As with all drugs, there may be some undesirable side effects for some
women taking the Pill.
•
Breast tenderness
•
Nausea – rarely, vomiting
•
Bleeding between periods
•
Weight gain or loss
•
Migraine
Serious problems do not occur very often. Pill users
have a slightly greater chance of certain major disorders than nonusers.
The
most serious
is the possibility of blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain.
Also, no one should smoke when on the Pill or any other hormone-based
form of birth control because it severely ups the chances of heart
attack.
A clinician can tell you whether you can take the Pill
and what dosage is right for you. He or she will adjust the prescription
if you experience
side effects after a few months of taking the Pill. Be sure to
have checkups at least once a year. Your prescription may need to be
changed
as your health needs change. See your clinician right away if any
problem develops.