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| |    Practical Tips for Taking the Pill by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. There are three different approaches to getting started on birth control pills. Your practitioner will probably tell you which one she prefers for you.
Making the Pill part of the daily routine You should take the Pill at the same time every day for two very good reasons: so that your body's hormone levels remain steady, which prevents breakthrough bleeding and other side effects; and so that you get into a routine, which will help you to remember to take your pills. Medically, it doesn't matter if combination estrogen-progestin pills are taken at 6 a.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends as long as you're sure to take them every day. Pick a time that's easy for you to remember--say, in the morning when you take your vitamins or at night before you brush your teeth. Such a morning or bedtime routine can act as a helpful reminder until taking your pills becomes second nature. What do I do if I forget a pill? If you suddenly realize that you forgot a pill, take it as soon as possible, and then return to your usual schedule. For example, let's say you typically take a pill at 10 p.m. before turning in. If you wake up one morning at 7 and realize that you forgot your pill the night before, you'll want to take the missed pill immediately and then take a pill again at 10 p.m., like usual. The next day, just resume your regular nighttime schedule. If it doesn't dawn on you that you forgot a pill until the next day at your regular time (10 p.m.), you'll need to take both pills--the one you forgot and the one that is due--at the same time. As long as you're not more than 24 hours behind schedule, you will still be protected from pregnancy. However, the more irregularly you take the pills, the more likely you are to experience spotting, and doubling up on pills may cause nausea. If you forget for more than 24 hours, check with your practitioner and see what she recommends. Depending on which week of pills you're in, she may have you double up for the next few days to catch up, or she may suggest that you discard the pack you are on and start the next pack early. No matter what the approach, though, be sure to use a back-up method of birth control until you start the next pack. I often forget to take my pills. Should I use a different contraceptive method? If following a routine is a foreign concept to you or you're simply having trouble fitting the Pill into your day, it's probably not the best form of contraception for you. Most people who get pregnant while taking birth control pills have taken them inconsistently. If this sounds like you, consider other methods of birth control and talk to your practitioner about your options.
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