Contraceptive pill how long

Many people use contraception and must decide between an intrauterine device IUD and a birth control pill. While both should prevent pregnancy, they…. Many women who use birth control believe that weight gain can be a side effect. While studies oppose weight gain related to birth control pills, some…. Skipping one or more periods using the birth control pill is usually safe and poses few risks. A person may want to skip a period to avoid discomfort….

Doctors often prescribe birth control to help reduce cramps, so are cramps on birth control normal? Pelvic pain may be common as the body adjusts to…. What are the long-term side effects of birth control? Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. Short-term side effects Long-term side effects Is it safe? Long-term options Outlook Hormonal methods of birth control are considered safe for most people. Short-term side effects. Share on Pinterest Short-term side effects of birth control may include headaches, nausea, weight gain, and mood swings.

Long-term side effects. Is it safe to use birth control indefinitely? And estrogen-containing birth control pills may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. On the other hand, research suggests that long-term use of estrogen-containing birth control pills is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. This risk increases the longer you take the pills. But once you stop taking the pills, the risk of cervical cancer begins to decline.

Approximately 10 years after stopping birth control pills, cervical cancer risk returns to the same level as for women who have never taken birth control pills. The effect of estrogen-containing birth control pills on breast cancer risk isn't clear. Some research indicates that taking estrogen-containing birth control pills slightly increases the risk of breast cancer — but that 10 or more years after stopping the pills, breast cancer risk returns to the same level as for women who have never taken birth control pills.

Other studies don't support a link between estrogen-containing birth control pills and breast cancer. Taking an occasional break from birth control pills offers no benefits and may increase the risk of blood clots or unintended pregnancy. If you're concerned about long-term use of birth control pills, discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider.

He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of other types of contraception as well. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. With typical use :. Combining a physical barrier, such as a condom, with spermicide increases its effectiveness.

Condoms need to fit properly to work, however. Here, learn how to find the right size of condom. A person inserts a vaginal ring into their vagina.

They wear it for the first 3 weeks of their cycle, then remove it to allow menstruation to occur. If a person inserts the ring on the first day of their cycle, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to work. Here, learn more about a type called NuvaRing. Using the birth control shot involves having an injection of the hormone progestin every 3 months. This prevents ovulation. When a person has an injection within 5 days of a period starting, it works immediately.

Male sterilization, a procedure called a vasectomy , prevents sperm from getting into semen. A person still ejaculates, but pregnancy cannot occur. After a vasectomy, fertility declines slowly and steadily.

It involves closing or blocking the fallopian tubes, which would otherwise carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Tubal ligation is effective immediately. A wide variety of birth control options exist. Some, such as barrier methods, provide immediate protection, while others, such as a vasectomy, can take several months to work.

Many take about a week to become effective. It is worth noting that some forms are more effective than others, and certain types carry risks. Birth control pills are generally safe and effective, though side effects are common. This article looks at common side effects, risks, and…. People often stay on hormonal birth control for much of their adult lives, either for contraception or to manage long-term medical conditions. The Pill is not suitable for women with the following conditions: focal migraine history of blood clotting liver problems unusual vaginal bleeding.

Taking the combined pill Remember: Take one pill every day. Take each pill at the same time every day, or as close to it as possible. If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time the next day.

You risk getting pregnant if you: are more than 24 hours late taking the Pill you stop the Pill without using another form of contraception. You may not be protected from pregnancy if you: are taking the Pill for the first time and you haven't yet taken seven hormone pills in a row vomit or have diarrhoea are taking another medicine that may affect the pill absorption, e. Ask your health practitioner or local pharmacists which type you are using The progestogen-only or mini pill The progestogen-only pill POP or the mini pill contains one female hormone only.

In most women the mini pill will not prevent a normal menstrual cycle. It is suitable for women who are breastfeeding and can be continued when the baby is weaned. If you are under 25, you can also call the Action Centre 03 or rural callers Information about the contraceptive pill, and other types of contraception, is also available in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese — see Downloads section on this page.

Related information Family Planning Victoria for more information on contraception Provide feedback about the information on this page. Related Health Topics Contraceptive pill Using a worry free contraception that suits you is your best protection against unplanned pregnancy.