TeenHealthFX - Answers - Want Info On The Pill

Birth Control Methods: Birth Control Pills / Question
Published: January 26, 2000

Dear TeenHealthFX,

My boyfriend and I are sexually active. We use condoms for protection but recently I thought of using the Pill as another source of protection. But I would like to get more info. on it before I come to a conclusion. Where can I get more info on the Pill?

Signed: Want Info On The Pill

Dear Want Info On The Pill,

It is great that you are using condoms and no matter what you decide, TeenHealthFX thinks you should continue to use condoms to prevent against sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and pregnancy. FX admires that you care enough about yourself and your partner to double up on your protection against pregnancy. This is actually what the experts recommend. Also, getting the information first and becoming informed is very smart on your part!

Oral contraceptives, commonly called birth control pills is 95% - 99% effective against pregnancy if used correctly. However, the pill offers no protection against STDs. There are several different kinds of birth control pills that a teen health center can prescribe for you.

Most birth control pills are called combined pills, which means that they contain of two types of hormones: Estrogen and Progestin. This type of birth control means that you would need to take 1 pill per day everyday. It works by releasing hormones into your body that signals your pituitary gland to prevent ovulation.

Some advantages to the pill:

Very effective method of birth control
Regulates your period - Many teen-aged women do not have normal menstrual cycles and suffer from cramping. This can provide a balance of hormones to your body, making your period predictable and your symptoms less severe.
No loss of long term fertility - After you stop taking the pill, your body returns to its normal cycle and ovulation begins again, meaning you can have children when you are ready.
Can improve acne

Some disadvantages of the pill:

It must be taken daily at approximately the same time!
Possible weight gain due to an increased appetite
Headaches, Nausea & Vomiting
Mood changes - Can cause mood swings and depression due to the hormones in the pill.
Increased risk of STDs - You must still use condoms for STD protection!
Rare - Some serious health risks including blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
No smoking - Increases risks of the rare but serious health risks listed above
Can be expensive - The cost of a pack of pills ranges from $20 - $30 per month. Some teen health centers can provide them for you at a reduced cost.

The pill is good method of birth control if used correctly, but it is not for everyone. There are many methods of birth control and a teen health center expert can help you decide what is best for you. You need to see a doctor in order to get it and they will discuss all of your birth control options with you.

No single method of birth control is good for everyone. However, there usually is a particular type that each person will feel comfortable with. Keep in mind that there are other options as well like Depo provera. Also, any time you have unprotected intercourse, or your condom breaks, or you were raped, you may want to look into emergency contraception, which helps to prevent pregnancy in those circumstances.

Most importantly, keep practicing safer sex even if you are on the pill by using your condoms. This offers you double prevention against pregnancy and gives you protection against some STDs. Since you are already sexually active, no matter what you decide, you still need to go to a teen health center for a check up. Once a woman becomes sexually active, she needs to see a gynecologist. Also, it is a good idea for your partner to go to.

If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.5199. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. Teen health centers will see teenagers confidentially (meaning you do not need your parent's permission) and on a reduced cost or no cost basis.

Signed: TeenHealthFX