The birth control pill was introduced to the public in the early 1960s. During the 1930s, it was discovered that hormones prevented ovulation in rabbits.
In 1950, while in her 80s, Margaret Sanger underwrote the research necessary to create the first human birth control pill. Margaret's work as a visiting nurse in her younger years focused her interest in sex education and women's health.
Margaret Sanger was a birth control pioneer in New York City. Providing information on contraception to women was considered scandalous or even illegal. In 1912 she began writing a column on sex education for the "New York Call" entitled “What Every Girl Should Know.” This experience led to her first battle with censors who suppressed her column on venereal disease, deeming it "obscene".
How
does it work?
The
hormones in the pill work by preventing ovulation. If
a woman doesn't ovulate, pregnancy is not possible.
How
do I use it?
There
are a number of ways to start oral contraceptives. We
usually have you start the pills on the Sunday after your
normal menstrual period begins. If your period begins
on Sunday, then start the pills on that Sunday. Take one
pill at the same time of day, each day so you won't forget
them, even if you are not going to have sex. NEVER take
a friend's pill or someone else's pill. If you forget
one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not
remember until the next day, then take two pills that
day. If you miss two pills, take two pills a day for two
days. If you miss three or more pills, call your health
care provider or clinic for instructions.
Pros
Highly
effective method. Often reduces menstrual cramps. You
may have lighter periods. The pill may protect against
uterine, ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts. Some pills
clear up acne. The pill might possible help prevent endometriosis, this is still being debated.
Cons
Condoms must be used along with the pill to offer protection from STDs. Some antibiotics interfere with the pill's effectiveness.
Always tell a health care provider that you are taking
them if you are given any prescription medication. Use
a back up method like condoms if you take an antibiotic
while taking the pill. Ask the pharmacist if the antibiotic
will interfere with the effectiveness of your pill --
they know, that is their job to know about drug interactions. Don't be afraid to ask, they are very knowledgeable.
Effectiveness
Perfect-use
failure rate 0.5%
Typical failure rate 2% (due to human error)
Side
Effects
Sometimes:
Weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding or 'spotting'.
If you develop spotting while starting the pill for the first time. Tell the health care provider that prescribed them. You might just need a different pill or dose.
More than
eighty-five percent of women in the United States have taken
the pill at one time in lives. It is the most frequently used
form of birth control in the United States. It’s an excellent
choice of birth control despite many myths that circulate about
this form of contraception. If you have any questions ask the pharmacist or your health care provider.
Important Safety Information
Oral contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of
the Pill are not serious. And those that are occur infrequently.
Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots,
stroke and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular
side effects, especially if you're over 35. Women who use oral
contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.You should speak
to your doctor or healthcare professional about how this risk
relates to your use of the Pill.
Some women should not use
the pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers,
a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are
or may be pregnant.
The pill does not protect against HIV or 
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