If you decide you want to get pregnant, just stop taking the pill. No matter what kind of birth control pill you’re on, it’s possible to get pregnant right after you stop taking it. It can take a few months for your period to go back to the cycle you had before you started taking the pill, but you can still get pregnant during that time.

Timing is everything. Starting the pill within 5 days of your first period means you’re immediately protected from getting pregnant. However, if you start taking the pill at any other time during your menstrual cycle, it won’t be effective until after 7 days, so please ensure you use an alternative birth control measure, such as condoms, or abstain from sexual intercourse during those days.

As one of the most popular forms of birth control, most women experience little to no side effects while on the pill. However, like all medications, there are risks of side effects.

Some of the most common side effects include: nausea, headaches, mood changers, tender breasts, heavier or stopped periods, irregular bleeding or spotting between period cycles, lowered libido.  

Birth control pills can also sometimes lead to a slight increase in blood clots for some women.

The birth control pills we carry at Zoey work by stopping or delaying ovulation in the body, thickens the fluid in the cervix so sperm can’t enter the womb, and prevents the lining of the womb from thickening so no egg is able to lodge and grow.

The birth control pill is usually 99% effective with the correct daily usage. However, if you are inconsistent with your daily intake, it can compromise the effectiveness.

If it has been less than 24 hours, take the missed dose ASAP – even if it means taking two doses in the same day. However, if you have missed more than 2 pills, it is best to avoid vaginal sex for the next 7 days. Did you have unprotected sex in that time? If you did, perhaps you might want to consider emergency contraception.