Before you read this article, here's two NHS links to the two different types of pill that I would defo read if you're about to go on the pill, or if you've never done any research on it:
The Combined Pill - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
The Progestrone Only Pill - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/the-pill-progestogen-only/
Now we all know about the pill. Or in fact, we think we know about.
It's something that a lot of women take without knowing anything about it. In all honesty, when I got the pill, I didn't know how it worked or anything. Chomp. Straight down my throat, no questions asked.
My Experience: Learn from my mistakes
I take Levest, which is the Combined Pill, which means that you take it everyday consecutively for three weeks, and on the fourth week you stop taking it for 7 days, and then begin again on the 8th day. I began taking it because I got pregnant, which is why I'm telling you now girls, take it before that happens to you. Not using contraception really came back for me, and is something I regret constantly. The physical and emotional hassle that comes a long with getting pregnant definitely is not worth the risk of, considering it's only taking one tablet everyday.
When I started taking the pill, I started to see some side effects, however side effects differ based off of the pill that you take, and everybody's bodies react differently. However I did experience episodes of dizziness and low moods. However, as most people do, I went through periods where I would forget to take the pill, say three days, and then I would take three pills to make up for it. Although doing this may seem like no big deal, it can actually have a detrimental effect on how the pill works as a contraceptive. By missing more than two days your allowing yourself to become vulnerable to that sperm penetrating your eggs, especially when you allow your partner to ejaculate inside of you.
Other Side Effects
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting — more common with continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills.
Breast tenderness.
Elevated blood pressure.
Headaches.
Nausea.
Bloating.
Mood Swings
Low mood/depression
Over two years later and I'm still taking Levest. The one side effect that I hate is definitely the mood swings. However, the pill physically puts more hormones into you, so I feel like mood swings are common.
The 28 Day Cycle
After I had an abortion, my Dad's girlfriend sat down with me (patiently I'll give her that) and explained to me the 28 day cycle.
The above diagram shows the days where you are infertile, starting with your period, which lasts for 7 days. The days after you end your period are the days that you are most prone to getting pregnant, and these are days that you can either avoid having sex or take extra care to use condoms, or make sure you use the pill (on a regular basis as discussed.) Now, the seven days in green are the days that you are infertile, which means that this period of time is the most unlikely that you will get pregnant.
The graph above, shows the likeliness of getting pregnant during the days that you are fertile. However, the pill reduces these odds dramatically.
Pulling out doesn't work
Honey, I've been there. Don't let them persuade you into the "pull out" method, because I did that, and I got pregnant 2 months into the relationship. Find out more on why you shouldn't in my other post: "The Pressure Behind Pulling Out"
Late/ Irregular Periods
Don't worry, late periods are pretty common when you take the combined pill. It usually takes my body three days to process that I've stopped taking it. However, if you do not get your period for more than three days, you should buy a pregnancy test or talk to someone you trust, and make sure to consult with your doctor.
Look After your Body
It's important to keep a tab on how the pill is affecting you, especially because that specific pill might not be the right type for you. It's even more important to make sure that you get regular check ups at your doctors.
TIPS
Always urinate after sex (prevents urine infections and gets sperm out)
Set an alarm for a specific time and take the pill
Get regular check ups at the Doctors
Don't ignore symptoms
It's your BODY
All seriousness aside, the pill is just a small inconvenience that stops a big inconvenience from interfering with your own physical and personal growth. Do not allow yourself to feel pressured to go on the pill. When you want to start having a sexual relationship, it is important to do your research, and to make sure that this is the right time for you, and you can choose any contraceptive that you are comfortable with!
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