The birth control pill, also called "the pill" or "oral contraception" is a pill you take once a day to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different brands of pills on the market, and new ones come out often. Most work by using hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
There are two main categories of birth control pills, even though there are many different brands. Both types of birth control pills contain hormones. The biggest differences between them are which hormones they contain and how you use them. If you use the progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, you have to be much more careful to take your pill at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late taking the mini-pill (unless you're using the brand Slynd, which offers more flexibility), you will need to use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 48 hours. With the combination pill, you just need to make sure to take a pill a day—the timing doesn’t matter.
Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many women, they’re not a problem. And if you do experience side effects, they’ll probably go away. Remember, you’re introducing hormones into your body, so it can take a few months to adjust. Give it time.
The birth control pill, also called "the pill" or "oral contraception" is a pill you take once a day to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different brands of pills on the market, and new ones come out often. Most work by using hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
There are two main categories of birth control pills, even though there are many different brands. Both types of birth control pills contain hormones. The biggest differences between them are which hormones they contain and how you use them. If you use the progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, you have to be much more careful to take your pill at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late taking the mini-pill (unless you're using the brand Slynd, which offers more flexibility), you will need to use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 48 hours. With the combination pill, you just need to make sure to take a pill a day—the timing doesn’t matter.
The pill is very effective the way most people use it.
Things that will probably go away after two or three months:
- Bleeding in between periods
- Sore breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
Things that may last longer:
- A change in your sex drive
If you still feel uncomfortable after three months, switch methods and stay protected. You’re worth it.
*For a very small number of women there are risks of more serious side effects.
Positive "side effects"? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.
- Easy to use—just swallow with water
- Doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment
- Might give you lighter periods
- Gives you control over when you have your period
- Some pills clear up acne
- Can reduce menstrual cramps and PMS
- Some pills offer protection against some nasty health problems, like endometrial and ovarian cancer, iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease
The birth control pill, also called "the pill" or "oral contraception" is a pill you take once a day to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different brands of pills on the market, and new ones come out often. Most work by using hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
There are two main categories of birth control pills, even though there are many different brands. Both types of birth control pills contain hormones. The biggest differences between them are which hormones they contain and how you use them. If you use the progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, you have to be much more careful to take your pill at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late taking the mini-pill (unless you're using the brand Slynd, which offers more flexibility), you will need to use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 48 hours. With the combination pill, you just need to make sure to take a pill a day—the timing doesn’t matter.
The birth control pill, also called "the pill" or "oral contraception" is a pill you take once a day to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different brands of pills on the market, and new ones come out often. Most work by using hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
There are two main categories of birth control pills, even though there are many different brands. Both types of birth control pills contain hormones. The biggest differences between them are which hormones they contain and how you use them. If you use the progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, you have to be much more careful to take your pill at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late taking the mini-pill (unless you're using the brand Slynd, which offers more flexibility), you will need to use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 48 hours. With the combination pill, you just need to make sure to take a pill a day—the timing doesn’t matter.
It takes discipline
You’ve got to remember to take your pill at the same time every day. Even on weekends. Even on vacation. So, ask yourself: how good are you with stuff like that?
You want predictable periods
If you feel comforted by getting your period every month—and not having random spotting in between—this could be a good choice for you.
Skipping Aunt Flo
Some pills allow you to skip your period altogether, which BTW, is totally safe. Consider the possibilities!
Smokers over 35, beware
For those over 35 years old, smoking while on the pill increases the risk of certain side effects. And if you're younger, why not quit smoking now and save yourself the trouble in the future?
The pregnancy question
You will return to fertility (which just means that you go back to being able to get pregnant) just a few days after stopping the pill. So if you don’t want to get pregnant right away, make sure you start using an alternate method as soon as you stop taking the pill.
Don’t take our word for it. Check out the videos above to hear people talk about their experiences with the pill. And be sure to ask your health care provider which method is best for you.
If you can swallow an aspirin, you can take the pill. But here’s the thing: You have to remember to take it every day, at roughly the same time, no matter what. (We can help with that. Just sign up for a reminder.)
Some pills come in 21-day packs. Others come in 28-day packs. Some give you a regular period every month. Others let you have your period once every three months. And some even let you skip your period for an entire year. There are so many different pills available, it can be a bit confusing. Your doctor or clinic can help you figure out which pill is right for you.
Tips and tricks
Try taking your pill at the same time you always do something else in your daily routine—like brushing your teeth.
Set up a free text message or email reminder with us.
Have a box of emergency contraception on hand, just in case you forget your pill sometime during the month and then have sex without a condom or other barrier method.
learn more about the pill
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, if you have health insurance, chances are good that you'll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost (the exception may be if you use a name brand that has a generic equivalent). BTW, the open enrollment period for 2019 is over, but you may still be able to get health coverage. Find out if you could be eligible for special enrollment.
If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid coverage, the pill averages anywhere from $10 to $113 per month, depending whether you go generic or name brand. Tip: There are many kinds, so be sure you and your health care provider find one that is right for you.
Prices:
- This method may be free or low-cost for you
- With Medicaid: Free
- With insurance: Free under most plans
- Without insurance: The full price of the pill can range from $10 - $113 a month. Depending on your income, you may be able to go to a low-cost clinic to get it at reduced cost.
- Payment assistance: For brand-name pills, contact the manufacturer's website for information about coupons and discounts. Or contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-4-PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or www.pparx.org. Also, check with your local family planning clinics and find out if they offer free or low-cost birth control pills (most do).
Over 99
93
The pill contains hormones.
As low as $0 or as high as $200 a month.
The pill doesn’t protect against STIs.
You have to take your pill every single day, which can be hard.
Most common—but usually temporary—side effects are irregular bleeding, headaches, sore breasts, and nausea.
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.