Surprising Birth Control Pill Facts

Surprising Birth Control Pill Facts

by Judi Ketteler


Working out, and feeling discouraged by poor visible results? The blame may be found within your daily dose of birth control. A 10-week study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, and the University of Pittsburgh found that women who did not take oral contraceptives gained 60 percent more muscle mass than those on the pill. Women on the pill also had reduced levels of the hormone DHEA, which helps with muscle growth. Read more about the study at ScienceDaily.com.

Research has showed that the pill may not be as effective for women who are overweight. According to a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, for women who take their pill regularly (without missing), but who have a BMI greater than 27.3, the risk of pregnancy was more than doubled. Researchers have a few theories, but still aren't sure exactly why it's less effective. If you're concerned, definitely check with your doctor.

There is no one pill. "The pill" has been tweaked several times since it was approved in 1960 and there are now more than 40 different types of pills. Researchers began to realize that women didn't need to take the maximum does of hormones to prevent pregnancy. Hence, today's birth control pills have much lower levels of hormones than the pills from 20 and 30 years ago.

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There are two kinds of pills: Combination (a mix of estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only (sometimes called the "mini-pill"). Breast-feeding women shouldn't take the combination pill because estrogen can reduce milk production. But since it contains no estrogen, the progestin-only pill is a good option for them (especially since you CAN get pregnant while breast-feeding, despite the myth that persists).

The first continuous use pill, Lybrel, was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in May 2007, and the manufacturer, Wyeth, expects Lybrel to be available in pharmacies in July 2007. Unlike the traditional pill which has a placebo week when you get your period, or even pills like Seasonale where you get your period 4 times a year, you take this pill 365 days a year and never get your period.

You can usually safely miss one pill without having to use a back-up birth control method, but if you miss two -- no matter when in the pack -- you increase your risk for getting pregnant because it can affect your hormone levels and cause ovulation. Play it safe and use a back-up method for the rest of the pack. If you're on a pill like Seasonale, consult your OB/GYN about what to do.

It's true that the pill can cause very slight weight gain (2-5 pounds), but it won't make you fat. True, a few decades ago when the hormone levels were higher, taking the pill could cause a more noticeable weight gain. But with today's low-dosage pills, you don't have to worry about packing on the pounds.

Different women have different side effects. So while one pill may eliminate cramping and even-out mood swings in your friend, it might make you moody and have breakthrough bleeding. It's okay to shop around for the pill that works for you, but try to wait 3 months before you switch, because many side effects dissipate after a few months.

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Reseachers have discovered several additional benefits of oral contraceptives. We now know that the pill reduces your risk for ovarian cancer. Taking birth control can also help clear up your skin if you've had issues with acne. And according to a study published in the Clinical Journal of Sportsmedicine, it might even make your knee joints stronger!

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Many drugs can interfere the pill, like antibiotics. But even over-the-counter medications like Nyquil can reduce its effectiveness. St. John's Wort (an herbal supplement thought to help with depression) doesn't mix so well, and some anti-anxiety meds can conflict, too. It's a good practice to always ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take any drug.