How to use
Birth control pills are most effective when taken at the same time every day. This can be especially important because some types of birth control pills are more time sensitive than others.
When to start taking the pill?
There are two different ways to start taking the pill. You can either start taking them on the first day of your period (first-day starters), or on the first Sunday after your period starts (Sunday-starters). If you are a Sunday-starter and your period starts on a Sunday then you should take the first the pill then, not a week later. You should talk to your doctor about which method of starting the pill is best for you.
Do not use the pill if you...
- Smoke and are over the age of 35.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Have breast cancer.
- Have liver problems.
- Have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
- Have a history of blood clots.
- Are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant.
What if I throw up after taking the pill?
If you throw up less than two hours after taking a pill you should take another one. DO NOT take a pill from the same pack! Instead, always keep an extra package of pills on hand and take the pills from this package.
If you throw up for an entire day or more try to stay on track wih taking the pill and use a backup method of birth control during the time that you are sick until a week after you get better.
What if I want to get pregnant?
You can become pregnant immediately after you stop taking the pill, even though your cycles may not be regular for a few months. Despite the fact that it is safe to get pregnant right away, it may be a good a idea to wait until your cycles are regular because it makes it easier for your physician to estimate the due date of your baby.
© - Reproduced with permission of SexInfo, University of California at Santa Barbara, 2007.