Do's and Don'ts when taking contraceptive pills

Birth Control Pills

For preventing pregnancy, most women rely on contraceptive pills. Contraceptive pills usually deceive your body into thinking you're already pregnant, as well as preventing women from ovulating and producing thick cervical mucus that prevents sperm from penetrating.

Contrary to popular belief, side effects from contraceptive pills are not uncommon. As a result, it's critical to understand what to do and what not to do in order to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Combination pills and progestin-only pills are the two types of contraceptive pills.

Do's

• You must take one pill per day for combination pills; it is important to take it at a near-exact time in order for it to be effective.

• If you're taking progestin-only pills, you must take them within three hours of each other every day to avoid becoming pregnant.

• If you want to get pregnant, all you have to do is stop taking any contraceptive pills you're taking. It may take some time for your period to become regular, but pregnancy is a distinct possibility.

• If you're taking mini-pills, it's critical to keep track of the time you take them on a daily basis. When you've finished one pack, start the next one the next day at the same time.

 Don'ts

• If you have or have had health problems such as a blood clotting disorder, breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, liver disease, or migraines, you should not use contraceptive pills.

• Remember to take them on a daily basis and at the appointed time. You are more likely to become pregnant if you forget.

• During the first three weeks of breastfeeding, avoid taking combination pills. You should not start taking them until three weeks have passed. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

• If you're taking the 21-day pills, don't take any during the fourth week.