What is it?

The Oral Contraceptive Pill is a prescribed medication that contains one or both hormones (estrogen and progestin).  ‘The Pill’ is a method of birth control that requires you to take a pill everyday.

How does it work?

The hormones contained within the ‘The Pill’ stops an egg from developing within the ovaries (ovulation) and cause the lining of the uterus to thin.  ‘The Pill’ also causes a women’s cervical mucous to thicken into a jelly-like substance, making it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and into the uterus (where pregnancy can occur).

Remember, ‘The Pill’ protects against pregnancy but it DOES NOT protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

How effective is it?

‘The Pill’ is 97% effective in preventing pregnancy if used as prescribed

 Possible Side Effects

• The risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots is increased in women who smoke.  Risk increases if over the age of 35.
• May cause unpredictable and irregular bleeding or spotting
• May cause a change in weight (either an increase or decrease)
• Effectiveness affected by other medications (Antibiotics) or gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, etc)
• May increase or decrease the number of migraine headaches
• May cause nausea (feeling like you will be sick / vomit)

‘The Pill’ is a good choice for you if you are looking for a method that:

• Is simple and very effective
• Makes periods more regular, with less bleeding and less pain
• You can use from teenage years to menopause
• Allows you to become pregnant when you stop taking it
• Offers you additional health benefits such as:
• May decrease pain with periods
• May decrease length of period and amount of blood loss (lowering risk of iron deficiency)
• May help with acne
• May protect against PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), ovarian and endometrial cancer
• May decrease incidence of ovarian cysts and benign breast diseases
• May lower the risk of fallopian tube infections (less likely to become infertile)
• May decrease the number of bleeding disorders and hot flushes when starting menopause
• May decrease chances of suffering from tubal pregnancy or an abortion

‘The Pill’ is not for you, IF:

• You have trouble taking ‘The Pill’ at the same time daily, even if not having sex
• You plan on starting and stopping ‘The Pill’ based on the state of your sexual relationship

 People who should not take ‘The Pill’:

• You are pregnant
• You suffer from vaginal bleeding other than your normal periods

·        You have blood clots in your legs or elsewhere in your body

·        You are a smoker and over the age of 35

• You have had a stroke, heart attack, or you suffer from chest pain
• You have or suspect cancer of the breast or other sex organs
• You have a liver tumour
• You suffer from liver disease and jaundice

Important points

• There is a small monthly charge for birth control pills
• It is only available with the prescription of a doctor.  If you do not have a family doctor, one can be provided for you at the Health Unit

For additional information on Oral Contraceptive Pills or other questions related to sexual health contact the Windsor Essex County Health Unit at (519) 258-2146 ext 1200 or 1201

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Sex Sense:

Canadian Contraceptive Guide. Ottawa, ON.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. (2000). Choosing a

contraceptive that’s right for you…. Ottawa, ON.

Limburg, J. Middlesex-London Health Unit. (1998) Birth Control Options. London, ON.

Revised April 25, 2007

T/Sexual Health/Fact Sheets/Birth Control Options