The pill contains two hormones that are similar to a woman’s natural hormones.

You can take the birth control pill when you are breastfeeding. Do not start taking the pill until your milk supply is well established (6 weeks to 3 months after delivery).
 

How does the birth control pill work?

The hormones in the pill stop your body from releasing an egg each month. You cannot get pregnant if your body does not release an egg.

The pill can make your period more regular and can help reduce heavy bleeding and cramps.
 

When a woman is on the pill and becomes pregnant, it is usually because she forgot to take a pill. When you forget to take one or more pills, in order to prevent pregnancy, you must use some other type of birth control as back-up for at least 7 days. Keep taking your pills while you are using the back-up method.

The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Use a condom every time you have sex, if you want to protect yourself from STD.
 

spotting or bleeding between periods during the first 3 months that you are taking the pill or when you are late in taking your pill

upset stomach (nausea). To help prevent nausea, take your pills with food

tender breasts, moodiness, bloating, acne, mild headaches and slight weight gain

If you have any of the above side-effects, do not stop taking the pill. Most side-effects can be helped by changing to another pill.

If you become pregnant when you are taking the pill, the pill will not harm the developing baby.
 

You can safely take the pill for many years. There is no need to "take a break" from the pill. Your body is still "normal" when you are taking the pill.

The pill protects you from certain types of cancer (ovarian and endometrial cancer).
 

• For a blood pressure check when you are taking your third pack of pills (before you run out).
• Once a year for a pelvic exam, Pap smear and to get a new prescription for your pills.

How to start taking the pill

Pick a time of day to take your pill — one that will be easy to remember, such as meal time. Try to take your pill at the same time every day.

Pick a day to start your pill

1 First–day start

Take your first pill on the first day of your period. This will be your starting day for each new package of pills. For example, if you start your first package on a Tuesday, then you will start every new package on a Tuesday.

OR 2 Sunday start

Take your first pill on the first Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on a Sunday, take your first pill on that day. You will start every new package on a Sunday.

How to use a 28-day pack

• Every pack of pills contains 21 hormone pills and 7 "blank" pills.
• Take one pill every day for 28 days.
• You will get your period when you are taking the blank pills. During this time the hormones in your body will provide natural birth control protection.
• When you finish a pack of pills, start a new pack the next day.
• You can change the time of day that you take your pill when you start a new pack.

How to use a 21-day pack

• Every pack of pills contains 21 hormone pills.
• Take one pill every day for 21 days.
• When you finish a pack of pills, do not take a pill for 7 days.
• You will get your period during the week that you are not taking pills. During this time the hormones in your body will provide natural birth control protection.
• After the seven day break, start a new pack of pills.

When to use back-up

Use a back-up method of birth control, such as condoms and foam or no intercourse, for at least 7 days if:

• It is your first month on the pill and you did not start taking the pill on the first day of your period.
• You missed one or two pills in a row.
• You vomited within two hours of taking a pill.
• You have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that has lasted several days.
• You are taking prescription drugs. Talk to your pharmacist to find out if the drug you are taking will make the pill less effective.

What should I do if I miss pills?

1 Missed one pill (by 24 hours)

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your usual time.
• You can take 2 pills together. It will not
  harm you.
• You may see some spotting but keep taking your pills.
• Use a back-up method of birth control for 7 days.

2 Missed two pills (by 48 hours)

• Take the 2 pills as soon as you remember. Take 2 pills the next day. Then finish your package as usual.
• You may see some spotting but keep taking your pills.
• Use a back-up method of birth control for 7 days.

3 Missed three pills

• Do one of the following:

1) Throw away the rest of the package and start a new package on that day.

2) If you want to keep Sunday as your start day, take 1 pill a day until Sunday. Start a new package on Sunday.

• You may see some spotting.
• Use a back-up method of birth control for 7 days.