How to take birth control pills correctly
It sounds trivial, but it is often forgotten. Before starting to take a contraceptive it is essential to read the package leaflet. In particular, when you take the pill for the first time, you need to have your doctor explain what to do to take it correctly. In fact, there are different types of pills: combination pills, mini pills, single or multiphase pills, some are taken continuously, others with a 7 day break, where it can be replaced with "placebo" pills.
If you know the basic intake routine, you are safe for now. Unfortunately, beyond that, there are some things to know to avoid unintentionally becoming pregnant. There are some factors and elements that prevail over the pill, which unfortunately do not. all women know.
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How long can you take the late pill?
Have you taken the pill two hours late and are wondering if this means that the contraceptive protection is no longer effective? This all depends on the type of pill you are taking. There are minipills that must always be taken at the same precise time of the day. If the intake time is delayed by more than three hours, reliable contraception is no longer guaranteed. The other pills are easier to handle because they can be taken within twelve hours. To be sure, consult the package insert or ask your doctor.
I forgot my pill: when does it stop working?
Once a pill is forgotten, it is normal to be afraid of a possible pregnancy. However, the important thing is to note at what point in your period the pill was forgotten and when you last had intercourse. The first thing to do is to keep a cool head and read the information leaflet. To avoid intermediate bleeding, the forgotten pill should be taken immediately. If you see that you have forgotten to take one pill, take two at the same time the next day.
First week:
If the pill was missed during the first week of the cycle, an additional contraceptive, such as a condom, should be used for the next seven days. After that, contraceptive protection is available again. However, it is different if you have had a relationship shortly before, because the situation changes dramatically. During the interruption of the pill, sperm can penetrate the barrier initially formed by the contraceptive, as it can survive there for up to five days. It is therefore possible for fertilization to occur. Anyone who does not want to get pregnant should therefore use the morning-after pill, which is now available at the pharmacy.
Second week:
This week the risk of unwanted pregnancy is minimal because hormones have been or will be regularly administered before and after this period. In this case, no additional contraception is necessary.
In the third week:
If the pill was forgotten in the third week, there are two options: take the placebo pill ahead of time or continue taking the contraceptive pill even on the days set for the break for menstruation. In this case, no additional contraception is necessary. However, if the placebo pill is neither anticipated nor canceled, an additional contraceptive is required.
Does grapefruit prevail over the pill?
Do you like fresh grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice in the morning? If you take the pill, you should think again. While grapefruit doesn't overpower the pill, citrus ingredients can increase side effects. With pills containing estrogen, grapefruit increases the concentration of the active ingredient and therefore the hormonal level. The result: side effects such as delicacy and sensitivity of the breasts or the risk of thrombosis increase.
Pill and antibiotics: what is the interaction with other drugs?
Many know that antibiotics can nullify the effect of the pill, but they are not the only ones. Again, you should carefully read the package leaflet of the following drugs and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Antibiotics
- Laxatives
- Sedatives
- Medicines for epilepsy
- Preparation of St. John's wort
- Pain relievers
- Medicines to increase intestinal mobility
- Sleeping pills and tranquilizers
- Drugs for tuberculosis
- Medicines for HIV infection
Be careful with the time difference when traveling
When you know that you are about to face a long journey, you need to take into account not only the hours spent traveling but also those of the time zone with respect to your country of origin. In fact, jet lag isn't the only problem, because even taking the pill is confusing.
In this case, despite the time difference, you must continue taking the pill at the usual intervals, i.e. every 24 hours.
The best thing to do is set a pill reminder on your mobile, counting the hours of difference. It may happen that you have to take the contraceptive normally taken at eight in the morning, in the middle of the night.
