To guarantee the effect of the contraceptive pill, it is important to take 1 tablet every day, always at the same time, until the end of the pack. One day of forgetting or a delay of more than 3 hours is enough for the effectiveness of the contraceptive to be impaired. The pill is composed of hormones in low doses and changes in their values in the body can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle and unwanted pregnancy.
There are several types of pills that vary according to their composition, break time, presence of menstruation or not and period of taking. The most common lasts 21 days, but there are also 24 and 28 day pills, and the choice must be made by the gynecologist according to the woman’s characteristics.
Taking birth control for the first time
The contraceptive should be started with the 1st tablet in the pack and on the 1st day of menstruation. Afterwards, you should continue to take 1 tablet a day at the same time until the end of the pack, according to the instructions on the package insert that comes with the medicine.
For 21-day contraceptives, you should take a 7-day break at the end of each pack and start again only on the 8th day, even if menstruation has not yet ended or has ended earlier.
In the 24-day pills, the break is 4 days, while in the 28-day pills there is no break period.
What is the best time to take the pill?
You can take the contraceptive pill at any time of the day, however the chosen time must always be respected so that there is no risk of reducing its effect. There are some important tips not to forget to take the pill, such as:
- Set a daily alarm on your cell phone;
- Carrying a pill pack always in your bag or having it at work;
- Keep the pill in a visible and easily accessible place;
- Associate pill taking with a time of day to create a routine, for example, before going to bed, before brushing your teeth or after dinner, for example.
It is just not advisable to take the tablet on an empty stomach, as it can cause stomach upset, and you should always take it with a little water.
What to do if you forget to take birth control?
In case of forgetfulness, you should read the drug leaflet and follow its guidelines, as it varies from pill to pill. However, there are some important indications, such as:
| Forgetting up to 3 hours | Oblivion with more than 12 hours | |
| 28 day contraceptive | Take it as soon as you remember and use a condom for the next 2 days. | Take it as soon as you remember and use a condom for a week. |
| Forgetting up to 12 hours | Oblivion with more than 12 hours | |
| 21 or 24 day contraceptive | Take it as soon as you remember. The use of another contraceptive method is not necessary. |
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If there is intimate contact after or during 2 or more days of forgetting, without using another contraceptive method, it may be necessary to use an emergency contraceptive known as the morning-after pill .
