How to Take Contraceptive Pills: Guide to Staying on Track

Are you taking control of your reproductive health with contraceptive pills? That’s a smart move! But with so many questions about when to start, how to stay on track, and what happens if you miss a pill, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry—We've made it simple with this straightforward guide. Let’s dive right in!

What Are Contraceptive Pills?

Contraceptive pills are small tablets that help prevent unplanned pregnancies. There are two main types:

Combination Pills (COCs): These contain oestrogen and progestin hormones, which work together to stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. No egg means no chance of pregnancy.¹

Minipills (Progestin-Only Pills): These have only one hormone, progestin, and are great for women who can’t take oestrogen or are breastfeeding. They thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. They can also stop your body from releasing an egg.¹

How to Take Contraceptive Pills

Taking contraceptive pills correctly is key to ensuring their effectiveness. Here’s a simple guide for the types available in Malaysia:

Combination Pills (COCs):

• 28-Day Packs: Take one pill daily for 28 consecutive days. The last 7 pills are hormone-free and help keep you on track. Start your new pack right after finishing the old one. Even if you skip the hormone-free pills, you’re still protected as long as you start the next pack on time.²
  
• 21-Day Packs: Take one pill daily for 21 days, then take a 7-day break with no pills. You’ll get your period during this break. After 7 days, start a new pack, even if your period hasn’t stopped.²
  
• 91-Day Packs: These are less common in Malaysia, but if you have access to them, the process involves taking 12 weeks of active pills followed by a week of hormone-free pills. You’ll only have your period once every 3 months.²

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs or Minipills):

• 28-Day Packs: Take your pill at the same time every day for 28 days. If you’re more than 3 hours late, your protection drops. Every pill in the pack contains hormones. You start a new pack immediately after finishing the old one.²

Oops, I Missed a Pill—Now What?

If you forget to take a pill, here’s what to do³:

Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills

When you start taking the pill, you might experience some side effects like spotting between periods (common with progestin-only pills), sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. These effects generally subside after 2 or 3 months. Not everyone will have these issues.⁴

Birth control should not make you feel unwell. If side effects persist beyond 3 months and bother you, talk to your healthcare provider about trying a different brand or method. Just make sure not to stop taking the pill without switching to another form of contraception, or you might risk getting pregnant.⁴

When Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping the Pill?

Your fertility usually returns within 2 to 5 months after discontinuing the pill. While some women may conceive right away, it’s normal for your cycle to take a few months to regulate. If you plan to get pregnant, tracking your cycle can help, and consulting with your healthcare provider can offer personalised guidance.⁵ 

Can the Pill Affect Your Period?

Yes, hormonal contraception may also help to manage or skip your period. Options such as the combined contraceptive pill, the intrauterine system (IUS), the contraceptive patch, and the contraceptive injection may reduce period pain and manage heavy bleeding. 

While some methods can significantly reduce or even stop periods, using them as directed and for their intended purpose is essential. If you’re considering skipping periods for non-medical reasons, discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you.⁶

Cost and Where to Get Contraceptive Pills

Prices can vary based on the brand and source. You can buy them from licensed pharmacies, healthcare providers, or authorised online platforms like ours. 

Remember: The Pill Doesn’t Protect Against STDs

Contraceptive pills are effective at preventing pregnancy, but they don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To ensure full protection, especially with a new partner, using condoms alongside the pill is highly recommended.⁷

You’ve Got This!

Using contraceptive pills is a smart choice for managing your reproductive health. By staying informed and consistent with your pill regimen, you’re taking control of your body and future. Remember, your healthcare provider is always available to answer any questions and help adjust your plan as needed. Keep up the great work—you’ve got this!

References

1. Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers : Evidence-based Guidance Developed Through Worldwide Collaboration. Johns Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs, INFO Project, 2007. Accessed 13 August 2024.
2. “How to Use Birth Control Pills | Follow Easy Instructions.” Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-do-i-use-the-birth-control-pill. Accessed 13 August 2024.
3. “Oral Contraceptive Pills - StatPearls.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/. Accessed 13 August 2024.
4. “What Are the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?” Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-the-pill. Accessed 13 August 2024.
5. “Pregnancy resumption following contraceptive discontinuation: Hazard survival analysis of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey Data 2007, 2012 and 2017.” NCBI, 23 February 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8865679/. Accessed 13 August 2024.
6. “Starting your periods - Period problems.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/period-problems/. Accessed 13 August 2024.
7. “Oral Contraceptive Pills - StatPearls.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/. Accessed 13 August 2024.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. 

The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. The author and publisher do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use or application of any information contained in this article.