Birth Control Pill
What it is . . .
The birth control pill is a combination of low dose hormones taken at the same time every day. The pill is available as either combination (estrogen & progesterone) or progesterone only. They are also available in monophasic (same dose every day) and multiphasic (different dosage levels during the cycle).
How it works . . .
The pill, basically 'tricking' the body into thinking that it is
pregnant, works in several ways:
1. Prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg by changing the woman's hormone levels
2. Changes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) making it harder for the fertilized egg to implant
3. The hormones cause changes in the cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to get to the egg
Who shouldn't take it . . .
Women who have a personal or family history of the following should seek advice from their doctor about taking the pill:
1. Smoking (more serious concern for 35+)
2. Reproductive system cancer
3. Asthma
4. Epilepsy
5. Diabetes
6. Acne
7. Heart or circulatory problems
8. Liver problems
9. Blood clots
10. High blood pressure
11. Gallbladder disease
12. Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
13. Depression
14. Uterine cysts
15. Migraines
16. Breast cancer
What are the side effects . . .
Milder side effects that will usually subside within 3 months:
1. Nausea
2. Breast tenderness
3. Headaches
4. Spotting
5. Weight gain
6. Depression
7. Darkened facial skin
8. Decreased menstrual flow
9. Decreased sex drive
10. Acne
11. Vaginal itching or discharge
12. Missed periods
13. Blood clots
Serious side effects that should be discussed with the doctor:
1. Gallbladder disease with indigestion and abdominal pain
2. Hypertension shown by high blood pressure
Very serious side effects - stop taking the pill immediately and see the doctor as soon as possible:
1. Severe abdominal pain
2. Chest pain or shortness of breath
3. Severe headaches
4. Eye problems such as blurred vision or blindness
5. Severe leg pain in the calf or thigh
Effectiveness Rates . . . Typical use: 97% - Perfect use: 99.5%
The pill is usually effective after taking it for 7 consecutive days. However, we recommend that new pill users use a back up method of birth control such as condoms for the first month. This gives them an opportunity to become used to taking a pill at the same time every day.
Women should be advised that there can be many drug interactions with the pill and that they should use a back up method when taking other medications (even over the counter cold remedies can sometimes interfere - it is a good idea to check with a pharmacist).
Where to get it . . .
Birth control prescriptions are available at Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon Clinic after a consultation with the nurse and doctor. The price of birth control is $9 a month through Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon. Once you have a prescription with us, you can buy birth control during office hours. Or you can go to the pharmacy of your choice with prices ranging from $25-$32 for a two month supply through the pharmacy. Doctors will often give two months supply for free at first. Some doctors that understand the financial situation of the patient will give patients more than that.