The Pill.
These two little words can incite a lot of uncertainty, especially if you’re considering taking birth control for the first time. You’ve heard about the mood swings, nausea, breakthrough bleeding and other potential side effects that leave you wondering if the Pill is the best method of contraception for you.
Based on our consultation with experts and gynecologists, we’ve come up with a list of questions for you to consider to help you determine whether or not going on the Pill this summer is right for you!
“It’s cute…but probably not the best method of contraception!”
1. Are You Sexually Active?
Safe sex means everything from being conscious of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to avoiding unwanted pregnancies. If you have one consistent partner, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist who has been on CNN and Dr. Oz, says that the Pill is an advisable method of avoiding unwanted pregnancies, as it is 98 percent effective when used correctly. If your sex life is inconsistent, a constant form of birth control such as the Pill will never hurt, but staying safe with methods of birth control such as a condom, which is 90-92 percent effective according to Durvasula, may suffice. Don’t forget that the Pill does not protect against STDs or HIV, and there’s no such thing as too much protection!
2. Are You Traveling This Summer?
If you’re traveling abroad this summer, starting the Pill, whether it’s for the first time or you’re switching to a new brand, might not be the best idea. The first month or two of a new prescription acts as a trial period to see how your body responds to a specific brand of the medication. Sometimes, symptoms like headaches or numbness can appear which require you to try a different brand — so if you’re going to be miles away from your doctor’s office, beginning the Pill this summer may pose problems. “Know that if you go on birth control…you’re in for a couple of months,” Durvasula says.
3. Will Insurance Cover Your Prescription?
Most prescriptions are covered by insurance and can cost anywhere from ten to fifty dollars a month. Keep in mind that you might be paying around 400 dollars a year! Call your insurance provider or talk to your doctor to see if your plan will cover the costs of birth control, and what to do if it doesn’t.
4. Do You Struggle With Your Weight?
According to Science Daily, it’s a commonly held belief that the Pill can cause weight gain. However, gynecologists at the Midwest Center for Women’s Health say that the Pill does not directly cause weight gain — but can contribute to those extra pounds due to increased fluid retention and the side effect of a larger appetite. Ellen, a sophomore at Miami University in Ohio changed her brand of birth control when she discovered she had gained about twenty pounds after being on the Pill for four months. Her gynecologist recommended a smaller dose of hormones that wouldn’t have such an effect on her body. Anne, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin noticed her bra size increased by two sizes. Whether or not this is a positive or negative in your book, it’s a change that you’re going to have to adjust to. “My tops fit all wrong and I had to go out and buy larger sizes to accommodate my new figure,” Anne says. Worrying about weight gain should never be a reason to forgo protection. Instead, talk to your doctor about choosing brands or dosages that work best with your body.
5. Have You Tried Unsuccessfully to Clear Your Acne?
Acne Assassin, a website that recommends different methods of acne prevention, suggests Yasmin as a method of clearing your skin. Yasmin is one of the most popular leading brands of birth control and one of the most recommended brands of birth control for acne. “Yasmin can control certain hormones called androgens, which are responsible for oil production. This is good in treating acne because too much oil on the skin can trigger pimple formation. Yasmin can decrease the skin’s oil, it can also prevent skin pores to be clogged and develop acne, ” Acne Assassin’s website says. If creams and masks have not worked to clear your skin, taking birth control may be the answer to your acne worries.
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6. Do You Have a Horrible Period With Unbearable Symptoms?
If Aunt Flo surprises you with unexpected or lengthy visits, you might want to bring consistency into your life with the Pill. Birth control regulates your period by regulating the hormones in your body, and your cycle will be on the same schedule each month. Elizabeth, a rising college freshman, reveals her experience with horrible menstrual cramps: “Before I was ready to take the Pill, I was prescribed 550 mg of Anapro by my gynecologist to take twice a day when I had my period. Once I began taking the Pill, I didn’t need the other prescriptions and my symptoms were under control.”
7. Are You On Antibiotics?
Taking antibiotics has been said to decrease the effectiveness of contraceptives. In theory, taking medications can alter the metabolism and blood levels of the estrogen and progestin in the Pill, which in turn can alter their effectiveness. Additional methods of contraceptives are almost always needed when you are taking an antibiotic. Women’s Healthmagazine recognized some common medications that affect the Pill as anti-seizure and migraine medicines, anti-fungal, anti-depressants and even some natural supplements. Talk to your gynecologist if you’re concerned that your medicine could be affecting the Pill.
8. Have You Struggled with Mood Disorders?
If you have ever experienced depression, bipolar or other mood disorders you may need to speak with your doctor about whether or not you should go on the Pill. Many women report severe changes in their mood when they go off their birth control or change brands. Durvasula says that birth control directly manipulates hormone levels, which in turn can affect mood. She said that while switching or stopping birth control, “some people will report dysphoria, or a partly more depressed mood.” Changes in memory and cases of anxiety have also been reported.
9. Are You Really Busy This Summer?
If you’re extremely busy with a new job or internship this summer, your mind is probably in a million places at once. Remembering to take the birth control pill at the same time everyday is what makes the Pill effective. If you forget to take the Pill, it becomes less effective in preventing pregnancy and can cause spotting, or bleeding that occurs when you are not on your period. Either setting a daily alarm or taking the Pill as a part of something you already do routinely, such as when you get up in the morning or when you eat dinner could solve your problem. If you are simply forgetful, it might be a better idea to research other forms of contraceptives like the NuvaRing or a diaphragm so you aren’t going on and off the pill from time to time, which can result in negative symptoms. Adelaide Nardone, an OB/GYN at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence and medical adviser to the Vagisil Women’s Health Center explains that, “some ex-Pill users report nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, and mood swings during the one to three months it takes the body to produce its own hormones again.”
10. Have You Considered the Risks and Benefits?
Some of the risks of taking oral contraceptives include developing blood clots, liver tumors, cancer of the reproductive organs and breasts, heart attacks and strokes, according to Watson Laboratories, which manufactures the birth control Reclipsen. Those who smoke, have a family or medical history of heart attack of stroke, suffer from migraines, diabetes or mental depression, are advised to take the Pill with caution, if not to avoid it completely.
On the other hand, the benefits described by Watson Laboratories include menstrual cycle regularity and a lighter monthly blood flow, which means anemia due to iron deficiency is less likely to occur. In addition, noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less frequently and usage may provide some protection against developing cancer of the lining of the uterus.
Deciding to take birth control is a big decision — and ultimately, it is your decision. Remember to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision because each body is different and reacts differently to various medications. Most importantly, your health — both physical and sexual — should be your top priority! So now that you’ve decided whether or not you’ll be taking the Pill this summer, consult your doctor about what medication is best fit for your lifestyle and your body type.
Sources
Adelaide Nardone, OB/GYN at the Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, medical adviser to the Vagisil Women’s Health Center
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Psychologist, College/Teen Expert
Ellen, Miami University in Ohio sophomore
Anne, University of Wisconsin sophomore
Elizabeth, rising college freshman
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/birth-control-drug-interactions
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/sexual-health/side-effects-after-pill
http://www.mcwhc.com/