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Library
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What
are birth control pills?
- Birth
control pills contain a combination
of hormones that is used to prevent
ovulation (the release of an egg
from an ovary). The pills contain a
form of estrogen and a form of
progesterone, which are both female
hormones involved in conception.
- Birth
control pills also have other
effects that inhibit pregnancy. They
cause the cervical mucous to
thicken, which makes it harder for
sperm to move toward the uterus, and
they prevent the attachment of an
egg to the uterus.
- Birth
control pills are used to prevent
pregnancy when used as directed
- There
are no permanent effects—you can
become pregnant when you stop taking
the Pill
- Birth
control pills may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
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Who
should not take birth control pills?
Before taking this medication, tell your
doctor if you
- have
high blood pressure, angina, or
heart disease;
- have
had a stroke;
- have
a bleeding or blood-clotting
disorder;
- have
breast, uterine, or another
hormone-related cancer;
- have
liver disease or a history of
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and
eyes) caused by use of birth control
in the past;
- have
undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal
bleeding;
- have
migraines;
- have
asthma; or
- have
seizures or epilepsy.
You may not be able to take birth
control pills, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
- Birth
control pills are in the FDA
pregnancy category X. This means
that birth control pills will cause
birth defects in an unborn baby.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
can have very serious negative
effects on a developing baby. Do
not take birth control pills if
you are pregnant or if you think you
might be pregnant.
- The
hormones in birth control pills pass
into breast milk and may decrease
milk production. Do not take birth
control pills without first talking
to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
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