Zarah
What to expect after starting oral contraceptives
You may experience the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sore breasts
- Changes in your periods (early, late, or stopping altogether while on the pill)
- Spotting (bleeding between periods or brown discharge)
- Mood changes, including a change in sex drive
- Skin changes like acne
The good news is that these side effects usually go away in 2-3 months. So, if you just started the pill and you have side effects that bother you, try to stick it out and give your body a chance to adjust to the hormones.
If you have any questions about your birth control pills, request a medical provider callback from your patient dashboard.
How to remember to take your pill each day
It’s important to take your pill at the same time every day. Here are some ways to help remember:
- Use a birth control reminder app or set an alarm on your phone.
- Keep your pill pack next to something you use every day (like your toothbrush or phone charger).
- Keep your pills in your bag so they’re always with you.
- Be pill buddies with friends or family members who also take medicine every day and help each other remember.
- Your partner can help remind you.
What to do if you forget to take your birth control pill
- If you just missed one, take it as soon as you remember. If you don’t remember until the next day, go ahead and take 2 pills that day.
- If you forget to take your pills for 2 days, take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. You will then be back on schedule.
- If you miss more than 2 birth control pills, call your medical provider for instructions. You may need to take one pill daily until Sunday and then start a new pack. Or you might need to throw out the rest of the pill pack and start over with a new pack that same day.
- Any time you forget to take a pill, you must use another form of birth control until you finish the pill pack. When you forget to take a birth control pill, you increase the chance of releasing an egg from your ovary.
How to be certain you don’t accidentally get pregnant
You can also use a condom every time you have penis-in-vagina sex. That way you’ll be protected from STDs too. This is especially important if you are taking any other medications that may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives.
Factors that lower birth control effectiveness
- The main thing that prevents the pill from working is not taking it every day.
- Vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 48 hours (2 days) may reduce how well the pill prevents pregnancy.
These medicines or supplements can also lessen pill effectiveness. If you take any of these while you’re on the pill, use condoms as a backup method. Switch to a different method of birth control if you’ll be on them for a long time:
- The antibiotic Rifampin (other antibiotics don’t make the pill less effective)
- The antifungal Griseofulvin (other antifungals don’t make the pill less effective)
- Certain HIV medicines
- Certain anti-seizure medicines (these are sometimes also used to treat psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder)
- The herb St. John’s Wort
The pill may not be right for you if you...
- Have high blood pressure that isn’t well controlled
- Are over 35 and smoke
- Have a history of stroke, heart disease, circulation problems or breast cancer
- Started breastfeeding within the past month
- Have migraine headaches with aura
- Have diabetes-related complications like nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy
- Recently had surgery
- Have liver disease
- Have unexplained uterine bleeding
What is Dr. B?
At Dr. B, you can get convenient medical care—including prescription treatments—right from home. We believe everyone deserves affordable access to healthcare. That's why an online consultation with a licensed provider is only $15. Need more financial support? Dr. B also offers a No-Cost Care* option for those who qualify.
* Financial hardship assistance available for those who qualify
Send your prescription anywhere
Send your prescription to thousands of pharmacies for pickup or online delivery. Your choice.
How Dr. B Works
Tell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation—no video call necessary.
A medical provider will review your information and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.
Pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.
More birth control Options
“The process could not have been easier. My chart was reviewed by a licensed professional and I was able to pick up my prescription at my preferred local pharmacy within a few hours.”
Meghan E. from Florida
Verified Patient
“Dr. B made it easy and affordable to get my medication. I was able to get a prescription without having to go through the hassle of having to make a doctor’s appointment, take time off work, etc., all while knowing that there is a trusted medical professional taking care of me.”
Marsha D. from Florida
Verified Patient
“The process for the Dr. B birth control was very easy and efficient. The website made getting prescription birth control easily accessible, especially for someone like me who does not have an established primary doctor in the area yet.”
Jennifer F. from Florida
Verified Patient
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