Birth control pill

Birth control pill

An image of a pill package

“The Pill” is a pill. (How’s that for stating the obvious?) Some people call it “oral contraception.” You take it once a day, at the same time every day. There are lots of different kinds of pills on the market, and new ones come out all the time. Most work by releasing hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.

Types of Pills

Progestin-only birth control pill
Combination birth control pill
Details
"The Pill" is a pill. (How's that for stating the obvious?) Some people call it "oral contraception." You take it once a day, at the same time every day. There are lots of different kinds of pills on the market, and new ones come out all the time. Most work by releasing hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, if you have health insurance, [chances are good that you’ll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost](http://bedsider.org/features/257) (the exception may be [if you use a name brand that has a generic equivalent](/features/314)). BTW, the open enrollment period for 2019 is over, but you may still be able to get health coverage. Find out if you could be eligible for [special enrollment](/features/338).

If you don't have insurance or Medicaid coverage, the pill averages anywhere from $10 to $113 per month, depending whether you go generic or name brand. Tip: There are many kinds, so be sure you and your health care provider [find one that is right for you](/features/89).

####Prices: * **This method may be [free or low-cost for you](/free_birth_control)** * **With Medicaid:** Free * **With insurance:** [Free under most plans](/features/257) * **Without insurance:** The full price of the pill can range from $10 - $113 a month. Depending on your income, you may be able to go to [a low-cost clinic](/free_birth_control) to get it at reduced cost. * **Payment assistance:** For brand-name pills, contact the manufacturer’s website for information about coupons and discounts. Or contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-4-PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or www.pparx.org. Also, check with [your local family planning clinics](/where_to_get_it) and find out if they offer free or low-cost birth control pills (most do).

If you can swallow an aspirin, you can take the pill. But here's the thing: You have to remember to take it every day, at roughly the same time, no matter what. (We can help with that. Just sign up for a reminder.)

Some pills come in 21-day packs. Others come in 28-day packs. Some give you a regular period every month. Others let you have your period once every three months. And some even let you skip your period for an entire year. There are so many different pills available, it can be a bit confusing. Your doctor or clinic can help you figure out which pill is right for you. #### Tips and tricks Try taking your pill at the same time you always do something else in your daily routine—like brushing your teeth. Set up a free text message or email [reminder](/reminders) with us. Have a box of [emergency contraception](/birth-control/emergency_contraception) on hand, just in case you forget your pill sometime during the month and then have sex without a condom or other barrier method.
### There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone's different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

The Positive

Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.* Easy to use—just swallow with water * Doesn't interrupt the heat of the moment * Might give you lighter periods * Gives you control over when you have your period * Some pills clear up acne * Can reduce menstrual cramps and PMS * Some pills offer protection against some nasty health problems, like endometrial and ovarian cancer, iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease

The Negative

Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many women, they're not a problem. And if you do experience side effects, they'll probably go away. Remember, you're introducing hormones into your body, so it can take a few months to adjust. Give it time. ##### Things that will probably go away after two or three months: * Bleeding in between periods * Sore breasts * Nausea and vomiting ##### Things that may last longer: * A change in your sex drive If you still feel uncomfortable after three months, switch methods and stay protected. You're worth it. *For a very small number of women there are risks of more serious side effects.
Do you have questions about Birth control pill? Visit Bedsider.org for answers to many of the most popular questions about this method of birth control.