Birth Control Pill FAQ
Can Birth Control Pills Be Used to Delay or Stop Periods?
You can use birth control pills to delay or skip periods. Traditional packs usually contain 21 days of hormone pills followed by 7 inactive pills, which trigger bleeding. Today, you have more options, including extended-cycle and continuous-use pills. These can reduce or eliminate monthly bleeding and are often helpful for managing heavy or painful periods. Some people may experience spotting or irregular bleeding at first, but this typically improves over time.
Is a Special Type Needed to Skip Periods, or Will Regular Pills Work?
You can use ordinary monophasic pills, which have the same amount of hormones each day, to avoid periods. If you start a new pack right after finishing the hormone pills and skip the inactive ones, you can delay your period. There are also specific pill regimens for long-term period suppression.
How Soon Can Pregnancy Happen After Stopping the Pill?
Ovulation usually starts again within several weeks after you stop taking birth control pills. You can get pregnant as soon as ovulation resumes, which may even happen before your period returns. If you haven’t had a period after stopping the pill and have had unprotected sex, take a pregnancy test.
Should Someone Wait Before Trying to Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control Pills?
You don’t need to wait for health reasons before trying to get pregnant after stopping the pill. Your body clears out the hormones quickly. Some people may want to wait until their periods become regular again for easier tracking, but there’s no medical reason to delay.
What If Periods Don’t Return After Stopping Birth Control Pills?
It’s normal for periods to take up to three months to come back after stopping birth control pills. If your period doesn’t return within this time, take a pregnancy test and see a healthcare provider.
Does Taking Birth Control Pills Affect Pregnancy Test Results?
Birth control pills do not change the results of a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests measure a hormone called hCG, which the pills do not affect. Tests remain accurate even if you are taking the pill.
What Happens if Pills Are Taken While Already Pregnant?
If you accidentally keep taking birth control pills while pregnant, studies show no strong evidence of harm to the baby. Once you know you’re pregnant, stop taking the pills.
Can Multiple Birth Control Pills Be Used for Emergency Contraception?
You can use regular birth control pills as emergency contraception, but the number of pills and timing depends on the type. Specific emergency options are designed for this and are easier to use. A doctor or pharmacist can help you use the right dose.
Emergency Contraception Options
| Type | Active Ingredient | How to Use | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progestin-only pill (OTC) | Levonorgestrel (non-prescription) | 1 pill, 1.5 mg | Within 3 days |
| Selective progesterone modulator | Ulipristal acetate (prescription) | 1 pill, 30 mg | Within 5 days |
| Copper IUD | Non-hormonal | Inserted by doctor | Within 5 days |
| High-dose birth control | Estrogen & progestin | See doctor for regimen | Soon as possible |
Does Body Weight or BMI Change Pill Effectiveness for Emergency Contraception?
Higher body weight can lower the effectiveness of some emergency pills, especially if BMI is 30 or higher. Levonorgestrel pills may not work as well for people with higher BMI, while ulipristal acetate is less affected by weight. The copper IUD works just as well no matter your body weight.
Key Tips
- If you have a higher BMI, non-pill options like an IUD are more reliable.
Is It Safe to Stop Taking Birth Control Pills Anytime, or Must the Pack Be Finished?
You can stop birth control pills at any time during the current pack. Stopping may cause some unexpected bleeding, but it is safe to end use right away.
Can Pregnancy Occur During the Week of Inactive Pills?
If you take your pills as directed and don’t miss any hormone pills, you stay protected even during the inactive pill week. Missing or skipping active pills earlier in the cycle can increase the risk of pregnancy.
Key Points
- Consistency is crucial for effectiveness.
- If you miss pills, use condoms or backup contraception.
Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?
Most people do not gain much weight from birth control pills. Some may notice mild changes, usually from water retention, not fat. The estrogen in pills might make some fat cells hold more water, making certain areas feel fuller.
Do Birth Control Pills Change Cancer Risks?
Studies show birth control pills do not raise the overall risk of cancer. They may slightly raise the risk for some cancers, such as cervical cancer, especially with long-term use, but these risks usually drop after stopping the pills. Pills may lower the risk of some types, including ovarian and uterine cancers.
Summary Table: Cancer Risks
| Type of Cancer | Risk During Use | Risk After Stopping |
|---|---|---|
| Ovarian cancer | Lowered | Lowered for years after use |
| Uterine (endometrial) | Lowered | Lowered for years after use |
| Breast cancer | May be slightly higher | Returns to normal with time |
| Cervical cancer | May be higher | Drops after stopping |
How Do Birth Control Pills Affect Cholesterol?
Some types of birth control pills can cause slight changes in cholesterol levels, but this is rarely a problem for healthy people. If you already have cholesterol issues, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring or a different method.
Do Birth Control Pills Increase Blood Pressure?
Birth control pills may cause a mild rise in blood pressure for some users. Most healthy, young people will not have a problem. If you have high blood pressure or certain heart conditions, talk to a healthcare provider before starting or continuing pills.
What About the Risk of Blood Clots on Birth Control Pills?
Hormonal pills, especially those with estrogen and progestin, can slightly raise the risk of blood clots. The risk is still low for most healthy people. If you smoke, are older, have obesity, or a personal or family history of blood clots, your risk is higher.
Factors Increasing Blood Clot Risk
- Smoking cigarettes
- Older age (especially over 35)
- Obesity (high BMI)
- Family or personal history of clotting problems
Types of Pills
- Combination pills (estrogen + progestin): higher risk.
- Progestin-only pill (minipill): lower risk.
Is It Okay to Use Birth Control Pills Over Age 35?
Many people over 35 can use certain birth control pills, but those who smoke or have conditions that raise the risk of blood clots may need safer alternatives. Progestin-only options or non-hormonal methods may be better for some older adults.
Can Antibiotics Reduce Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?
Most antibiotics do not lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. Rifampin (used for tuberculosis) is the main exception. Some anti-seizure medicines and herbal supplements like St. John’s wort can also lower effectiveness. Always check with a healthcare provider when starting a new medicine while using birth control pills.
Quick Reference Table
| Question/Concern | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Using pills to skip periods | Yes, with different regimens |
| Need for special pills to skip periods | No, regular monophasic pills can be used |
| Time to possible pregnancy after stopping | Can happen within weeks |
| Need to wait before conception | Not for health, only tracking convenience |
| Period didn’t return after stopping pills | Can take up to 3 months; see doctor after 3 months |
| Pill effect on pregnancy test | No effect |
| Taking pills while pregnant | No evidence of harm; stop if pregnant |
| Multiple pills for emergency contraception | Sometimes, but ask a provider or use specific emergency pills |
| Weight affecting emergency contraception | Yes, especially with levonorgestrel; copper IUD not affected |
| Stopping pills midway through a pack | Safe to stop anytime |
| Risk during inactive pill week | Protected if all pills taken correctly |
| Pills causing weight gain | Rare, mostly water retention |
| Cancer risks and benefits | Lower risk of some, possible higher risk of others, varies by type |
| Cholesterol effects | Minimal for most, caution in those with cholesterol problems |
| Pills and blood pressure | Small increase possible, check regularly in at-risk users |
| Blood clot risk | Slightly higher, especially with added risk factors |
| Use after age 35 | Yes, but not for smokers or those at higher clot risk |
| Antibiotics interaction | Rare, mainly rifampin affects pills |
