Birth Control Questions answered…
I missed my pill….
Which Birth Control should I use?
- What should I do if I miss a pill?– If you miss one pill, double up the next day. If you miss two pills, double up for the next two days. If you miss three pills, throw the pack away and use condoms; start a new pack on your next cycle.
- I realized I missed a pill after having sex, do I need the morning after pill? – if you have been dutifully taking your pill around the same time every day and you do not miss pills often, you will not need to do anything aside from taking two pills the next day.
- When should I start the pill/ Nuvaring/IUD?– For the pill: start on the first day of your period. If you start the Sunday after the first day of your period, you will need to use condoms for the first month on the pill. For the Nuvaring: insert the ring on the Sunday after your first day of your cycle, bleeding or not! For the IUD: Go to your gynecologist near the end of your period for easier insertion. (this is because your cervix is slightly open during your period allowing more room)
- When should I go on birth control? – Do you have irregular periods? Do you have painful cramps or heavy bleeding during your period? Are you sexually active? Do you have uncontrolled acne? Do you have PCOS? If so, you are a great candidate for birth control! (attention!!: birth control does not protect you from STDs)
- I have heard it is dangerous to take birth control pills.– There are serious, but rare, side effects from taking the pill. These include: blood clots, heart attack, stroke and death. You are safe to take the pill as long as you are not a smoker, have a history of blood clotting disorders, or have been diagnosed with classic migraines by a neurologist. Breathe easy, you will be monitored every 6 months while on the pill to head off any of the serious consequences!
- I do not want hormones going into my body but I want to be protected from unplanned pregnancies. – There is a non-hormonal option for the IUD. It is a copper IUD that can be left in for up to 10 years. How your periods are without birth control is how they will be with the copper IUD. Otherwise, there is always the condom!
- I can’t remember to take a pill every day, what are my other options?– Nuvaring: insert into vagina for 3 weeks, remove for 1 week and then insert a new one for another 3 weeks. Keep going. Patch: Place a new patch each week for 3 weeks, no patch for 1 week. Depo Shot: visit gynecologist for a shot every 3 months. IUD: placed by your gynecologist and left in for 5-10 years depending on the type of IUD.
- Will birth control affect me getting pregnant in the future? – Birth control causes no change in fertility. Whenever you decide to have children, just stop whatever form of birth control you are using
- I didn’t get my period while on birth control! – Stay calm, many forms of birth control can cause your period to become shorter and less heavy. Everything is probably fine and you should continue to take your pills/contraception regularly. If you are still concerned, visit your gynecologist for a pregnancy test.
- Will my parents find out I am on birth control?– Everything you share with your gynecologist is confidential. However, open and honest conversations with your parents is strongly encouraged! They may assume you are sexually active and ask you uncomfortable questions, but they are a good resource and may surprise you by being understanding