Do you take the pill? It’s one of the most widely used contraceptive methods, and it’s relied on by millions of people to protect against pregnancies. There are definitely things that you should know before you take the pill, though – and I was totally surprised at how few people knew some of these recently. It seems doctors haven’t quite educated us as much as they should have! Here are 7 essential things you should know about the pill if you are going to rely on it:
1. It’s Free
Yep, you read that right. You can get the pill for free. One of the most talked-about parts of the Affordable Care Act is the requirement to provide the pill for free. There are some exceptions, including religious employers and employers who have been granted a longer time to deal with the changes, and you might have to change brands if yours isn’t covered. It’s a breakthrough if you are struggling to pay though, and it’s definitely one of the things that you should know about the pill!
2. You Need to Be Regular
I’m not talking about periods. If you use the pill correctly, it accounts for just 5% of unintended pregnancies. For the 19% of women who don’t use it right, though, it amounts for a whopping 43% of unintended pregnancies. Yep, that’s right – nearly 50% of unplanned pregnancies. You need to take the pill every day, at the right time, and as directed, to be protected. Just popping it when you remember isn’t good enough.
3. There May Be Side Effects
There are numerous types of the pill. While they are all effective at preventing pregnancies, they have different side effects – some can cause headaches, for example, whilst others can be used as acne medications. As different contraceptive pills contain different hormone levels, you may find that some suit you and some don’t. You’ll need to try a few to find one that you get on with. While your doctor should work with you, don’t be afraid to keep your own notes too. The onus is on you.
4. Want Security? Get an IUD
The pill isn’t your only option. IUDs are 20 times more effective at preventing pregnancies, because they completely eliminate human error. While the idea of insertion can seem scary, these soft plastic devices really aren’t, and they offer long term and safe protection. There are very few side effects, too. An IUD is definitely worth considering.
What you choose to wear while working out can have a significant impact on your comfort and performance. One essential item is the sports bra. Lack of proper support can lead to discomfort and muscle tissue damage. Choosing a good sports bra can help prevent these problems and ensure a great workout!
5. It Doesn’t Cause Weight Gain
The first few contraceptive pills were totally loaded with hormones, and caused huge weight gain when they were prescribed. Newer versions have much lower hormone levels, which reduces side effects and makes the pills safer, and has also pretty much stopped weight gain. Recent studies found no sign that taking any contraceptive pill led to weight gain at all. It’s widely believed that the pill is still blamed because the two most common groups taking the pill are young girls, who put on weight as they grow up, and women in relationships, who are statistically proven to gain weight anyway. So don’t worry about the pill changing your weight, it won’t. And if you weight does change, speak to your GP. The pill is unlikely to be to blame.
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. It Doesn’t Play Nice
There are some meds that shouldn’t be taken with the pill. That includes antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-fungal medications and even some natural medications, such as St Johns Wort. That’s why it’s really important that you are totally honest about what other meds you take, and you make sure that you use alternative protection if you do use any clashing meds. You are unlikely to be protected against pregnancy otherwise.
7. There’s No Time Limit
One of the most important things you should know about the pill? That there is no time limit. There is a whole lot of anxiety about how long you can take the pill for before it affects fertility, and how long it takes to get pregnant afterwards. Until recently, there wasn’t much research into the area. Now we know that if you don’t smoke, you can take the pill indefinitely. It won’t affect your fertility. You can even take it through the menopause. There is no impact on your fertility if you take the pill for years – and you can get pregnant straight away when you stop. So relax, and don’t worry.
So, how many of these things you should know about the pill did you already know? It’s an area where there is a lot of confusion, but it’s definitely worth taking the time to make sure you understand exactly how to take your pill, and exactly what you are protected against. And remember that the pill won’t protect against STIs, so use a condom! Know any other things you should know about the pill? Share them with me!
Comments
Kanchan: I took crisanta from cipla. Works grt and shd be taken before bed and at d same time evryday. I dint feel side effect of any sort and on d plus side gave me less blood flow during my period :)
Alletta: Not free in Holland.
Alletta: Good article! Usually those having trouble conceiving post pill have underlying trouble conceiving. I've only gained weight on a too heavy pill: massive bloating. Resolved within a week of quitting. I've had a variety of pills. I've been on the pill for almost 8 years now. My own cycle kicks in after forgetting just one pill in week 1.
Camille: @kinsway KL, Depends which kind you get. If you get the 10yr copper one I believe it should be regular with regular flow, some ppl try to say periods are heavier but those ppl have previously been on the pill which will often make it lighter. The 5 yr hormonal one often stops your period and will have occasional light breakthrough bleeding. I am on my second hormonal IUD and with this one have had a lot more bleeding but I really think it is related to major weight change for me since I have been eating better and exercising a lot more over the last year and it seems to be stopping now that my weight has leveled out again. The first one I had I had light bleeding a couple times a year if that.
courtney: I just got an iud put in last month and it hurt pretty bad getting it put in but other than that I love it and it was also completely free- I have Cigna health insurance
Camille: IUD's are amazing. Yes can be a bit painful to have inserted but totally worth it!! Upfront cost can also seem expensive but the cost spread out over the 5-10 years is actually a lot cheaper.
Karen: Depending on which pill your on you can defiantly put on weight. I've put on nearly a stone since being on the pill.
Alice: Great article
:
EST 2005
Evolve. Empower. Elevate.
- Creators on the platform
- 3,000+
- Total social reach
- 12M+
- Features published
- 100K+
New Earn badges & level up while you read
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge