What is the best time to take birth control?

Are you tired of going through boxes and boxes of birth control pills only to wonder if you’re taking them at the right time? You’re not alone! With so many mixed messages out there about when exactly is the best time to take your birth control, it’s no surprise that women everywhere are seeking answers. But fear not my dear hormonal friends, because below we’ve outlined everything you need to know about when and how to take your pill in order for it to be most effective.

Understanding Hormonal Contraceptives

Before diving into specifics on timing, let’s start by reviewing a brief introduction on hormonal contraceptives. There are various types available on the market such as Pills , Patches , Rings , Injections etc which all work differently but with similar end goal – preventing pregnancy . Most prevent pregnancy by using synthetic hormones like estrogen or progesterone(progestin) which regulate ovulation cycle(Release of eggs from ovaries). When used correctly these keep pregnancy away like Batman does joker but used incorrectly can lead Failures (Womp womp!). It’s important therefore that you understand how they work.

Different Types Of Hormonal Controlling Methods

There aren’t any surefire ways(also known as deus ex machina methods) when it comes to contraception there exist major categories: Barrier methods (such as condoms), Hysteryctomy and hormonal contraceptives.
In this article we’ll only cover various hormonal contraceptive options:

Method	How To Use	Benefits
Birth Control Pills	Daily pill every day	Regulates Menstrual Cycle
Contraceptive Patch	Attached Once per Week	Less Risk of blood clots compared pills
Vaginal Ring	-Inserted once Monthly-	– Reduces cramps & acne symptoms
Condoms	Applied right before sexual intercourse ~Used for lesser duration compared to other methods~	– Reduces risk of STI’s & STD’s

How the Pill Works

The birth control pill has been around since the early 1960s when it was first approved by the FDA. It works by introducing synthetic hormones into your body which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries) and thickens cervical mucus in order to block sperm. There are two types of pills:

1. Combination Pills – They contain a mixture of estrogen (Sometimes referred as Delilah for those who are fascinated with story of Samson) and progestin.

2. Progestin-Only Pill also known as Minipill contains just one synthetic hormone—progestin .

Both work similarly, but combination pills might not be recommended for women over forty or smokers because they increase the risk for certain health issues such as blood clots or stroke.

When Should You First Start Taking The Pill?

When it comes to Birth Control Schedule we should always form good habits like taking pill at same time daily(hint hint). If you’re starting on a new brand or type, doctors generally recommend getting acquainted with how its gonna affect kinetic regulators with at least seven-day lead period between menstruation cycles preferably on sunday however if that doesn’t matter Much(why would it ?),it could be started anytime during your cycle . During this first month, use additional methods(also called supportive partner method in colloquial terms )such condoms to ensure Extra protection against pregnancy.

“A word of caution: Make sure that you have enough stock left till end whenever tempted next door neighbor asks ‘Hey do you have any extras?’ “

What’s The Best Time Of Day To Take Your Pill?

Ah yes, the age-old question on every woman’s mind. As with most things, the answer is…it depends! It actually matters quite a bit when you take your pill considering its half life and as it changes hormonal rhythm of our body( Just like it did with puberties shout out to all fellow acne sufferers)

Typically, doctors suggest taking your pill at the same time each day in order to regulate levels within the body (Biology does have its perks eh!). So if you choose 10pm at night for example, we could term it “The Wisdom Hour”.

“Bonus points If You can remember which number comes after 9.”

Do I Have To Take It At The Exact Same Time Every Day?

While setting up a daily reminder might seem simple enough, sometimes life gets in the way like an EVIL obstacle course preventing us from staying on schedule (or any other Netflix series has consumed all attention and memory). Should that be case in point worries since BCP’s allowance is usually pretty forgiving , but generally should not exceed exceeding more than 24 hours without taking even one dose.(I must say though having alarm for medication makes life alot easier ) .

If there ever comes situation where Its been beyond these standards(such as illness or being incapacitated)and pills are missed, firstly read instructions provided by manufacturer(carryover principle right ?) or consider consultating healthcare provider about emergency contraceptive treatment.

P.S.- We cannot overemphasize here that one missed pill does increase risk of pregnancy so always use backup protection especially after vomiting or Diarrhoea.)

When Can I Stop Taking The Pill?

Firstly if stopping pills make sure alternate methods are used(also don’t forget land mines while stepping back). Since Natural cycle can take several weeks to balanace itself fully , Predictably menstruation might temporarily stop & become more irregular while Body takes its time to normalize post-BCP (It can take anywhere between 4 to 6 menstrual cycles). This is most common when DISCONTINUING long-term contraceptive use.

Right after stopping BCP, you CAN get pregnant so if that’s not the plan keep using protection for a while or till next cycle starts.

Does Timing Changes During Menstrual Cycle?

Another question that arises quite often especially during adjusting phase: ‘Do I need to adjust my schedule as per menstrual cycle?’
Frankly speaking it depends on individual(some of us just like things planned out) but generally Ovulation occurs sometime around Day 14 of your period( count begins from day one of menstruation ). Thus unless Proessing cramps are due or any other issue pinpointed through lab reports(Superheroes have weakness & we have health issues!) , Same Time/day routine could be maintained. However if a woman wants menstruation on certain days(such as vacation with partner etc ) then pills can definitely be manipulated accordingly.

“A Word Of advice: Please do consult medical provider though While Changing Usage Pattern(“Don’t trust Google videos by Jessica”) “

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about taking birth control! Remember, always discuss options and usage concerns with an Obstetrician/Gynecologist since clear understanding helps making better decisions(Duh!).

Quick Recap : Tips On Birth Control Pills

• A consistent pill-taking routine will ensure best results .
• Always follow instructions specified in packaging.
• Consult healthcare professional before changing usual pattern(don’t want screw ups).
  -Supportive methods such as Condoms should always be used along with Pills(stick together like macaroni+cheese eh?)
• No matter how many times said very important point of ‘not missing even single pill’ cannot Stress enough
  (Punishment much worse than at Hogwarts).
• Consider alternate methods before discontinuing use and keep using protection if pregnancy is not the idea just yet.

Have a Happy Hormonal Cycle !