Ah, thank G-O-D for The Pill. It’s the little white (or green or blue…) tablet that makes sex a lot less nerve-racking and in turn, a lot more enjoyable. Not to mention the added benefits of clearer skin and shorter, less painful periods. But just like any sort of prescription, an oral contraceptive only does what it’s supposed to do when you actually take it. Or more specifically, when you actually take it on time.
*Image from ChoiceUSABlog.com
Unlike NuvaRing, the Birth Control Patch or an IUD, it’s up to you to monitor your oral contraceptive intake. The pill isn’t completely foolproof. It’s only 1 percent ineffective if you’re taking it at the same time every day. If not, ineffectiveness jumps up to 9 percent. Even more convincing is this data from the Guttmacher Institute, which reports that the 19 percent of women who use birth control inconsistently account for a whopping 43 percent of all unintended pregnancies!
Trust me, I get it. It’s not like we intend to skip a dose, but colliegette’s days are so long and jam-packed that a tiny pink pill case can easily become a distant memory. Don’t let it happen! Use these tips to make sure you’re taking your pill the right way.
Timing is Everything
If you sleep until 11 a.m. every day, don’t plan on taking your pill at eight in the morning. Take a good, hard look at your schedule and your studying/sleeping habits to come up with a time that works best for you. Choosing a mealtime (lunch or dinner) often works best because 1. You’re more likely to remember taking your pill if it’s tied to a consistent activity and 2. It can prevent any tummy irritation that the pill may cause. Also, a big part of forgetting to take your pill is not having it with you, so make sure you’ve got it WITH you when you’re supposed to take it!
*Image from Pplm.tumblr.com
Ring, Ring
Yep, set an alarm on your phone. Make sure to choose an identifiable ringer (a different one from your normal wake-up alarm) so it stands out in your mind. This is a super-easy, no-excuse way to remember to take your pill.
Keep It Visible
Something that helps me remember is keeping my pill in a visible place. If it’s tucked away in my drawer, I’m more likely to neglect it. Try leaving your pill smack dab in the open, right on your desk. If it’s staring you straight in the face, it’s hard to forget it!
So there you have it, three super easy tips to help you make the most of your oral contraceptive. Remember, when it comes to the pill’s effectiveness – timing is everything!