Despite of its 50-year history, there are still many birth control questions pertaining to the use of oral contraceptives. Some of these questions, although seemingly trivial, can affect a woman's decision to use pills or not. Below are some of the most common questions regarding the use of birth control pills:

What are pills made out of?

Birth control pills are made of synthetically produce hormones that are naturally found in a woman's body. Depending on the kind, oral contraceptives can contain the hormone progesterone only or a combination of the former with estrogen.

How do pills work?

As a form of contraception, birth control pills work by preventing pregnancy from occuring. Clinically, pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself inside the uterus. Pills prevent ovulation (the release of an ovum) by means of altering a woman's hormonal cycle. Pills also thicken cervical mucus, which prevents a sperm from reaching an ovum, if any. In case fertilization did occur, the hormones in the pill thin out the uterine lining that makes the uterus a hostile environment for the fertilized egg, thus, preventing implantation.

Is taking birth control pills enough?

When taken correctly and consistently, birth control pills can suffice as contraception. However, it is generally advised to use a backup form of birth control such as condoms for extra protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. To date, condoms are the only form of contraception proven to prevent the transmission of STDs.

What should be done in case of missed pill intakes?

Information leaflets included in pill packs usually provide this information. However, most women are advised to seek guidance from their clinician or gynecologist if they missed one or more pills consecutively. They may be required to discard their current pill pack and start a new one. Using a backup form of birth control is necessary if a woman missed her pill since this can increase risks of accidental pregnancies.

How to stop or come off birth control?

Women are generally advised to finish their current pill pack before stopping intake. This reduces side effects and makes it easier to plot the time of conception. Consulting a clinician and gynecologist prior to stopping birth control pills is important to ensure a smooth transition back to normal hormonal cycles.

Will using pills affect a woman's ability to conceive?

A woman can get pregnant in as little as two weeks after stopping pill intake. However, this depends on how fast her hormonal cycle returns to normal. Studies show that most women who used the pill got pregnant within 18 months of stopping intake.

Will mistaken intake of birth control pills affect babies in case of undetected pregnancies?

Five percent of women who use birth control pills mistakenly take birth control pills without realizing that they are already pregnant. While it is ideal to stop taking oral contraceptives during pregnancy, studies show that taking pills will not harm the baby. However, it is strongly advised that women should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect that they are pregnant.