Combination Birth Control Pills

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WHAT ARE COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

“The pill,” also known as combination birth control pills, are a type of oral contraceptive that help prevent pregnancy by combining two hormones: estrogen and progestin. In order for these pills to be effective, they need to be taken daily by mouth.

It’s worth noting that the inclusion of both estrogen and progestin in combination pills sets them apart from progestin-only pills, which are also referred to as the “mini-pill” and only contain a synthetic form of progestin.

And bonus, it can also make your periods less of a pain if they’re usually heavy or crampy. Double win!

WHAT KIND OF COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS ARE THERE?

In the U.S., you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to birth control pills. They typically differ in the specific types and amounts of estrogen and progestin they contain, as well as their packaging. Here are some common types of combination birth control pills:

MONOPHASIC PILLS:
These pills provide a consistent dose of hormones throughout the entire cycle. You take one active pill every day for 21 days, followed by a week of inactive or placebo pills.
MULTIPHASIC PILLS:
These pills vary the hormone levels throughout the cycle to mimic a more natural hormonal pattern. They may have two or three phases of active pills, and then a week of placebo pills.
EXTENDED OR CONTINUOUS-CYCLE PILLS:
These pills allow you to have fewer periods by taking active pills continuously for an extended period, typically three months, before having a break for menstruation.

The choice of which combination birth control pill is best for an individual depends on their specific needs, medical history, and potential side effects. It’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider. They’ll help you figure out what is right for you based on your needs, health, and what you prefer.

It’s important to follow their guidance and take the pills as directed for maximum effectiveness. To see a list of the brands we cover through our telehealth partner Twentyeight health click here.

HOW DO COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS WORK?

CHANGES UTERINE LINING
The pill changes the lining of your uterus so it’s not as welcoming to a fertilized egg.
STOPS OVULATION
The pill stops eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), so there’s no egg to fertilize. No egg to fertilize means you can’t get pregnant.
THICKENS CERVICAL MUCUS
The pill uses hormones to make the cervical mucus thick. This mucus barrier makes it really hard for sperm to swim up and meet an egg.

HOW DO YOU USE COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

If you are looking to get birth control pills, the first thing you’ll need to do is schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider that prescribes birth control pills. Typically, combination birth control pills come in packs of 28 pills, with 21 active pills containing hormones and 7 inactive or placebo pills, and should be taken every day around the same time each day.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about the specific pill you’re prescribed. Additionally, inform your healthcare provider about any changes in your health or medications, as they can affect the pill’s effectiveness.

NOT SURE WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISSED A DOSE OR DOSES?

Check out this guide from the CDC.

When it comes to birth control, there are pros and cons for each method, and remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for you might not be the same for your friends. The pill has been around for more than 50 years, and millions of people have used it safely. But, it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider. They’ll help you figure out if it’s right for you based on your needs, health, and what you prefer.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

CLEARER SKIN
Some combination pills, can help you kick acne to the curb.
HEALTH BENEFITS
They come with a lower risk of certain conditions like ovarian cysts and endometrial cancer.
HORMONE HARMONY
Besides pregnancy prevention, these pills offer various non-contraceptive benefits, including helping with symptoms from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroid management, and hormone regulation.
PREDICTABLE PERIODS
You can say goodbye to those surprise irregular visits from Aunt Flo. These pills make your periods more regular and lighter.
RELIABLE
The pill is a very reliable birth control option. With perfect use it has a 99% success rate at preventing unintended pregnancy. But, we aren’t always perfect so with typical use its around 93% effective!

POSSIBLE DOWNSIDES OF COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

CONSISTENCY IS KEY
You need to take them every day at roughly the same time for them to work effectively. Missing pills or taking them at inconsistent times can increase the risk of pregnancy.
INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATIONS
Certain medications, like some antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs, can reduce the effectiveness of combination pills. It’s crucial to discuss any drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
If you’ve got certain health issues, like blood clot history, breast cancer, blood pressure problems, and migraines with aura, they might not be your best bet. Or if you are a smoker and over the age of 35 it can increase your chance of blood clots. It’s crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider.
STARTING OUT SIDE EFFECTS
Some people may experience side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and changes in mood. These typically mellow out after a few months but might be bothersome for some.

DO COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS WORK FOR STI/STD PREVENTION?

When used correctly, birth control pills are super effective but it’s important to remember that they don’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of getting or spreading STIs, it’s a good idea to use condoms every time you have sex, even if you have are on the birth control pill. We offer condoms mailed directly to anyone who is 18+ and lives or goes to school in our service area. Click here to request free condoms.

HOW CAN I GET FREE COMBINATION BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

If you live or go to school in our 18-county service area and are looking for a birth control method, you can give us a call at 423-265-7837 or fill out our intake form and start the process yourself. If you want to speak with one of our Health Educators on the phone or if you’d like for us to call you back on a certain day to schedule an appointment for birth control, you can fill out the request form linked here, and we will call you back on your preferred date.