Oral contraceptives have been one of the most sought-after forms of birth control with about 12% of women in the reproductive age using them. Their effectiveness depends on the daily dosage and about 9% of women popping these pills get pregnant every year.

There have been numerous myths and concerns about the side effects of such pills, especially pertaining to future pregnancies and cancer. Here are some important points to consider if you are planning to get started on contraceptive pills:

1. Know the difference between birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills- While the former should be taken regularly to prevent pregnancy, the latter is taken as a single dose after an act of unprotected sexual intercourse. While the birth control pills are taken every day at the same time, the emergency contraceptives could be taken within 72 hours after unsafe sex or when other methods of birth control fail.

2. What are the recommended dosages of oral contraceptive pills?- Birth control pills should be taken at the same time every day and see to it that you don’t forget a single dosage. Depending on the brands, these pills are available in packs of 21-, 24 or 28. MIT researchers have now designed a capsule that unfolds in the stomach and gradually delivers one month’s worth of oral contraceptive drugs. This monthly birth control pill is expected to replace daily doses of the conventional method of taking contraceptive pills.

3. How long does it take for these pills to start working?- The effectiveness of contraceptive pills depends on which day of your menstrual cycle you started taking them. For example, if you had started it during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, it is immediately effective. But if you had started randomly, you may need to use condoms for the first couple of weeks.

4. Are these pills safe?- Birth control pills are usually considered safe for the majority of women. You might experience side effects such as bloating, nausea, breast soreness or mood swings. But since all medicines are prone to risks and side effects, it is important that you get a thorough evaluation and make informed decisions before starting the pills.

5. How effective are contraceptive pills?- When taken regularly, these pills are almost 99% effective in preventing pregnancies. But be informed that certain drugs and supplements can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Consult your doctor before taking them if you have been taking other medications.

6. While on the pills, can you conceive if you want to?- After 4 weeks of stopping oral contraceptive pills, you can get pregnant if you want to. For some women, it might take a little longer for their ovulation to resume. You can get preconception counseling about 6 months before planning pregnancy.

7. Weight gain after discontinuing birth control pills- Some women tend to gain weight while or after taking these pills, but there is no scientific evidence to support it.

8. Health benefits of contraceptive pills- Not only do they prevent unwanted pregnancies, but they can also help regulate your menstrual cycle and can help make periods lighter, pain-free and acne-free. They also protect women against ovarian cancer.

A Pack Of Contraceptive Pills
Nuclear Physicist Elina Berglund Scherwitzl created the first app in the world to be certified as a contraceptive. Pictured is a pack of contraceptive pills. Tanja Giessler/Getty Images
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