women's health education
Birth Control
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), or birth control pills, are hormonal medications taken orally to prevent pregnancy, treat heavy menstrual bleeding, cramps, acne and reduce risk of certain cancers.
Oral Contraceptive Pill
Information
Benefits
- Nearly 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that 1 out of 100 people using the pill consistently will become pregnant.
- Decreased menstrual cramps
Decreased menstrual bleeding or more regular menstrual bleeding - Improvement in acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth on chin, face, back, abdomen)
- Less risk of developing non-cancerous breast tumors or ovarian cysts
- Less risk of developing ovarian, endometrial cancer
Risks
- Blood clots in legs or lungs
- Stroke or heart attack
- Gallbladder disease
- Non-cancerous liver tumor
Danger Signs (Call us IMMEDIATELY or go to Emergency Room!)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe chest pain, cough, shortness of breath
- Severe headache, weakness or numbness
- Eye problems (vision loss, blurring) or speech problems
- Severe leg pain (calf or thigh)
- Phone #: (907) 308 – 6488
Common Side Effects
- Unscheduled bleeding (break through bleeding.) Most common over the first 3 months and it usually resolves the longer you are on birth control.
- Amenorrhea (No periods! Not a bad thing... if you are on OCPs!)
- Breast tenderness, nausea, headaches (these resolve within the first few months).
Taking Your Pills
- Take 1 pill every day around the same time.
- Remember to use another form of birth control (like a condom!) for the first 7 days
- Quick Start — start the day you get your OCP, use back up protection for 7 days
- Sunday Start — start OCP on the first Sunday after your period starts. Use back up protection for 7 days. (Potentially no periods on the weekend!)
Missed Pills. . . whoops!
I missed 1 pill...
Take missed pill immediately. Resume regular OCP schedule.
I missed 2 pills...
Take 2 pills for 2 days, then finish the pack. Resume regular OCP schedule.
I missed 3+ pills...
Use back up birth control – like a condom! THEN…Call our office for instructions
Stopping Birth Control Pills
- You can stop the pill at any time. You must use another form of birth control if you wish to avoid pregnancy.
- If your periods were irregular, heavy, or very painful before taking the pill, they may return to this pattern.
Women's Health Topics to Explore
Your health changes throughout every stage of life, and staying informed helps you make the best choices for your body and well-being. This section offers trusted information about women’s health topics—from preventive screenings and menstrual health to menopause and overall wellness. At First Choice OBGYN, our goal is to help you understand your options, support your long-term health, and empower you to take an active role in your care.