WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
THE PILL, PATCH AND NUVARING
College of the Canyons
Student Health and Wellness Center
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita California 91355
661-362-3259
What hormones are in the pill, patch, and nuvaring?
The Birth Control Pill or “the pill” as it is called, is an oral contraceptive
containing two synthetic hormones: estrogen and progestin. The patch and
nuvaring also contain both estrogen and progestin.
How do they work?
These three contraceptives prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation.
They make the cervical mucus thick and stick, which impedes sperm travel. They
also alter the uterine lining, making implantation less likely.
How effective are they?
When used consistently and correctly, these contraceptives are 97%-99%
effective. Actual user effectiveness can be at 92%-95%, but if one or two
pills are
missed-especially during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle,
ovulation may occur. Taking pills for a few days or once in a while in not
effective. Pregnancy can occur with ONE missed pill, or if the patch or nuvaring
is not used for 24 hours.
What are some of the benefits of taking birth control?
1. Fewer menstrual cramps
2. A smaller number of bleeding days
3. Less menstrual blood loss
4. More regular periods
5. Reduces mid-cycle pain
6. Less anxiety and depression prior to menses
7. Less fibrocystic breast disease
8. Protection from ovarian or uterine cancer
What are the minor side effects?
These side effects are not serious or life threatening. They usually
disappear after 2 to 3 cycles on the pill, patch or ring. If they become
too uncomfortable or last longer than 3 cycles, return to the Student Health
Center for a consult. Oftentimes a different pill can relieve these symptoms.
 Weight gain or loss of 3-5 pounds (no weight gain with patch,
nuvaring, and most low dose pills)
 Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially when first
starting a method
 Changes in sexual drive
 Yeast vaginal infections
 Nausea
 Missed periods
 Vaginal discharge
 Breast tenderness
What are the risks of taking the pill, patch or nuvaring?
For women under 40 years, potential risks associated with pregnancy and
abortion
generally outweigh the risks of the hormonal pill. Major risks
include:
 Hypertension
 High blood pressure (will usually subside after discontinuing
the pill)
 Cardiovascular complications
 Heart attack and stroke have been found to occur more in
women who use the pill than those who do not.
Cardiovascular side effects are rare and occur primarily in a small
percentage of
women who use the pill, mainly those who:
 Smoke
 Are over the age of 35
 Have hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a
history of heart or vascular disease
 Have a family history of diabetes or a heart attack in a relative
(particularly a female) under the age of 50
Liver problems
Pill users have a small but increased risk of benign tumors (3-4 per
100,000). This problem most often develops in women who have been
on the pill for several years
Gallbladder disease
A woman who uses the pill for 2 or more years has a small but
increased risk of gallbladder disease
Who should NOT use the pill?
Women who have:
 Blood clotting disorders (past or present)
 Impaired liver function
 Known or suspected cancer
 Current or suspected pregnancy
Who probably should NOT use the pill?
Women who have:
 High blood pressure
 Gallbladder disease
 Diabetes or a strong family history of diabetes
 Mononucleosis (recent or current)
 Women over the age of 35 who smoke
 Scheduled surgery within the next month
 Sickle cell disease
 Pre-cancerous results of a pap smear
 Severe migraine headaches
Other considerations:
At this time, there is no definitive evidence that hormonal contraceptives
cause or
increase the risk of cancer; in fact the pill decreases the risk of
uterine
and ovarian cancer.
Birth control may reduce the absorption of certain minerals and vitamins.
Levels
of vitamins, B2 B6 B12 C and folic acid may be lower.
A deficiency in B6 may cause depression. Taking a multi vitamin with iron
is
recommended
Lack of mobility, hormones, and surgery can increase the risk of blood
clotting,
particularly if she is using the pill. FOR THIS
REASON IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT THAT WOMEN ON THE
PILL INFORM THEIR
PHYSCIANS.