FAQs about The Pill

Whether you’re considering taking the pill or are already on the pill, you probably have a lot of questions about it. Birth control is a great way to prevent pregnancy (especially when used with a condom) and to regulate your hormones. However, they can be a bit difficult to understand sometimes, especially because they are hormonal. So here are a few questions that are often asked about the birth control pill, aka The Pill, that might help you better understand it.

What happens if I forget to take The Pill

This is something that happens easily. You could be away from home for the day or weekend and forget to take your birth control pills with you. Healthcare practitioners usually advise that you take the pill as soon as you remember. If you skipped a day by mistake, then take the pill you skipped plus the pill for today to get you back on track - this would mean taking two pills. If you miss more than 2 pills, speak to your healthcare practitioner for advice on how to continue taking the pill. Missing two or more pills puts you at higher risk of falling pregnant. The pill is meant to delay ovulation for a certain period of time by controlling your hormones. If you don’t take the pill, ovulation could start early, which means you could fall pregnant. If you miss the pill, make sure you use another form of contraception as well Choma.

Taking your pill properly every day is important Choma for the pill to be effective. If you don’t take it properly, you put yourself at higher risk of falling pregnant so try your best to avoid being in this situation. Carry your pills in your bag so that you have them with you as soon as you remember that you forgot to take them. Also take the pill at the same time every day so that you’re less likely to forget to take it. Taking it at the same time every day will also allow you to get used to it; until it becomes part of your routine (just like brushing your teeth). Set an alarm for the same day every day. You could even label the alarm “Pill” so you don’t ignore it.

Can I still fall pregnant while on The Pill?

The Pill is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. That’s saying you are very unlikely to fall pregnant when you’re on the pill. However, not taking the pill every day can put you at higher risk of falling pregnant. So make sure you take the advice in the answer above.

Why am I gaining weight while on The Pill?

The Pill itself isn't necessarily the cause of weight gain Choma, a bad diet is. Some healthcare practitioners will tell you that in the beginning, when you just start taking the pill, you might notice that you gain a little weight. However, this is not actual weight but water retention. This is because of an increase in oestrogen, which is found in the pill. Oestrogen is the main female hormone and is mainly responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. Water retention in the beginning is normal and usually only lasts a short while. It’s important to eat healthy regardless of whether you’re on the pill or not. However, if you are on the pill and weight gain is an issue, speak to a healthcare practitioner about it.

Can I miss periods while on The Pill?

It’s not very likely Choma since the pill is meant to regulate your hormones and your period. However, it is possible. Possible causes of missing your period while on the pill could be stress, a change in your diet or exercising too much. If you happened to miss a pill or two and ALSO miss your period, see your healthcare practitioner so that you can rule out pregnancy.

Does The Pill cause birth defects?

No, the Pill won't affect your baby when you decide to fall pregnant and also won’t make falling pregnant difficult, no matter how long you’re on the pill Choma.

Why am I bleeding while on The Pill?

Spotting or light bleeding between periods while on the pill, is usually quite normal - especially during the first 3 months of you starting the pill. However, if you notice that you’re bleeding much heavier and much longer than usual then it’s important that you see a healthcare practitioner for a checkup.

Is it okay to just use The Pill and no other form of birth control/protection?

The pill is a good method of birth control that helps prevent pregnancy by up to 99%. So to prevent pregnancy, the pill is sufficient to use. However, the pill does not prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), which we all know is a concern when having unprotected sex. The only form of birth control that prevents both pregnancy and STIs is the condom. So make sure you also use a condom while you're on the pill Choma.

Many people take the pill successfully and don't usually have issues with it. Complications while on the pill could be due to a number of reasons. Remember Choma, if you have questions or concerns about the pill, especially if you're on it, it’s best to ask your healthcare practitioner. Answers on the internet might not be as reliable because they are usually more general. If you speak to a healthcare practitioner they would be able to help you with your particular concerns and offer you advice or treatment based on your specific symptoms. A quick visit to your doctor or clinic is a good way to put your mind at ease.

Have you taken or are you on The Pill Choma? Tell me your experience in the comments section below.

If you need advice or help, remember that you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)