Birth Control Pills: The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered!

Birth control pills are one of the most popular contraceptive methods among young women. Here we answer all your questions regarding this method.

The contraceptive method known as "the pill" often causes confusion among young women, as there are many myths and realities about how it works and the side effects it causes.

For this reason, we turned to specialized websites and sought answers to users’ most frequently asked questions so that they might make informed decisions when choosing their contraceptive method.

1.- What are contraceptive pills?

They are basically pills that contain a combination of hormones that prevent ovulation.

2.- What types of contraceptive pills are there?

There are a large number of brands with different combinations of hormones and different amounts of hormones. However, there are 2 main types. The first type is taken for 28 days in a row and the second type is taken for 21 days with a 7-day break.

3.- How effective are they?

Birth control pills, taken correctly, protect you from 92% to 99.7% of unwanted pregnancies.

4.- When should they be taken?

You can take the pills at the time that suits you best, as long as it is the same time every day.

5.- Do birth control pills cause weight gain?

The weight gain depends on each woman’s individual metabolism. There are women who lose weight with it and others who gain no more than 2 kg (4.4 pounds).

6.- Are there medications that reduce its effectiveness?

Yes, some antibiotics, medicines for epilepsy and tuberculosis can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives.

7.- Does alcohol consumption affect contraceptives?

Yes. Alcohol consumption should be done several hours before or after ingesting the pill.

8.- Is tobacco consumption harmful?

Tobacco consumption is contraindicated, since when combined with contraceptive pills, it increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.

9.- What should I do if I forget to take a pill?

You should consult the manufacturer's recommendations as soon as you realize you have forgotten, and you should use a barrier method of contraception (condoms) for the next 7 days.

10.- What is the most recommended brand of pills?

All women are different and each one has her own needs. Therefore, the most advisable thing to do is to ask your doctor to recommend the ideal one for you.