What is it?
The oral contraceptive pill, also known as the birth control pill or “the pill,” is a prescription hormone tablet taken once daily to prevent pregnancy.
There are two kinds of oral contraceptives:
- Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC), which contains both estrogen and progestin.
- Progestin-only Contraceptive (POC).
Oral contraceptives require a prescription from your healthcare provider (Physician or Nurse practitioner). Some Pharmacists in NL can now prescribe oral contraceptives. Talk to your healthcare provider about what oral contraceptive is right for you.
How does it work?
The hormone(s) in the “pill” prevents pregnancy through the following ways:
- Stops the release of an egg from the ovaries.
- Thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
- Changes the lining of the uterus, making implantation difficult.
How effective is it?
- The birth control pill is highly effective in preventing pregnancy if taken perfectly.
- With perfect use, it is 99% effective. Perfect use means taking your pills every day, not missing pills and starting each pill pack on time.
- Because people aren’t perfect and we can forget to take the pill, the pill is actually 93% effective.
- That means 7 out of 100 people who take the birth control pill get pregnant every year
- For a more effective option consider an IUD or implant.
Check out this infographic from Sex & U for more information.
Does it prevent sexually transmitted infections?
The birth control pill is effective at preventing pregnancy but does not protect you and your partner(s) from sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs).
To protect against pregnancy and STBBIs, use condoms and/or oral dams (dental dams) with the birth control pill every time you have sex. This is referred to as dual protection.
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