Everything You Need To Know About The Contraceptive Pill
The Pill is one of those almost mysterious things when you’re younger. It feels very grown up in a way. And you probably have a ton of questions about it. So, here’s everything you need to know about The Contraceptive Pill.
Why You Get It
There are actually lots of different reasons why someone might be on the Pill. One of the most common reasons is usually to use it as a form of contraception, but that’s not always the case.
The Pill is also used to treat other problems such as Poly-Cysistic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and irregular or heavy periods. It can also be used to ease period pain.
Another reason why some people, particularly teens, are put on the Pill is to help with acne because it can balance out hormones. Obviously everyone is different and everyone will react differently to The Pill.
So, how does the Pill work? It stops the body from releasing an egg (also known as ovulating) which then prevents you from getting pregnant, but only if you take it correctly!
How To Get The Pill
In order to get the Pill you will need to be given a prescription by your GP. This isn’t a big deal at all and your doctor will see girls like you everyday. It might feel a bit weird to you the first time you go in, but trust us all this stuff becomes so normal as an adult.
There are a number of different Pills, so your doctor will have to assess you to pick the correct one for you. This is just a few questions about you and your families health and a blood pressure check.
Sometimes people get put on the correct Pill straight away. But sometimes it might take a few different brands to find the one for you.
If you or your family have a Medical Card you will be able to avail of the Pill for a subsidised cost.
Normally your doctor will give you a prescription for a few months supply in one go. Just make sure that you go back for regular checkups (usually 6-12 months) with your doctor to make sure everything is ok and they can monitor your blood pressure.
How To Take It
The Contraceptive Pill is quite small, think the size of a little vitamin. There are 21 pills in the pack and you take them for 21 days. After that you take a 7 day “break”. During this break you will have your period. Once those 7 days are over you start of the next pack for another 21 and on it goes.
Or you can choose to run packets concurrently, so you have less periods. Tricycling is now recommended, where you run 3 packets of the Pill back to back, take a 7 day break, have a period and then start another cycle of three packets. It’s up to you have you want to manage your period.
The packet has the days of the week marked out so you can stay on track. You should always start your packet on the same day each month. When you first start taking the Pill you begin your first packet on the first day of your period. So if it’s a Thursday then Thursday will be the day that you always begin the new packet. All this will be explained to you be your doctor anyway and it will also be in the little booklet that comes with the Pill.
It’s recommended that you try to take the Pill at the same time everyday. We recommend committing to taking it either first thing in the morning or just before you go to bed. Whichever you feel would work better for you and make you less inclined to forget. Keep it beside your bed or in your purse so you don’t accidentally lose it. If you forget to take it your cycle could be thrown off and you might not be fully protected by it if you have sex without using a barrier method.
Pros of The Contraceptive Pill
- It can prevent pregnancy. Again we need to stress the it can prevent, but only if used correctly at all times.
- It can help with period pains
- It can help regulate your period if you have irregular cycles. Also of you have particularly heavy periods it can help ease them.
- It can help with acne.
Cons of The Contraceptive Pill
- The main big con of the Pill is that it does not protect you from STIs and HIV. You must also use a barrier method, like condoms, to project yourself from STI’s.
- The Pill is only effective if you use it correctly. You must take it every, single day, unless on your 7 day break. It’s also recommended that you take it at the same time everyday. If you miss a day it won’t work. Make sure you read the information booklet a million times before you start using it. And keep the booklet for reference so you know what do it if you forget to take one.
- Antibiotics and illness can also effect the Pill. Always talk to your doctor or Pharmacist if you’re not sure.
- If the Pill doesn’t agree with you it can possibly cause a hormone imbalance in your system. This can lead to weight gain, acne or other side effects. It’s important that you weigh up all the pros and cons that go along with the Pill and chat to your doctor.
- The Pill can also cause a number of health side effects. Reading the booklet that comes with it will probably scare the be-jesus out of you but it’s best to know what to look out for. If you have any serious side effects or if something is worrying you go see your GP straight away.
And there you have it, everything that you need to know about the Contraceptive Pill! So let’s talk. Let us know your thoughts, feelings, concerns below in the comments!
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