is birth control a peptide FAQ

The pill is not linked with an overall increased risk of cancer. Its use is tied to a lower risk of colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. A higher risk of breast and cervical cancers has been seen in current and recent birth control pill users, but the risk went away within 5 years. Other long-term side effects of birth control pills include: Blood pressure changes. The birth control pill may slightly raise your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure taken regularly at your doctor appointments to ensure everything is normal. If you have issues with blood pressure changes, you can chat with your doctor to find a different type of birth control. Blood clots. Combination birth control pills aren’t recommended if you have a history of blood clots, are at high risk of getting blood clots, or have venous thromboembolism (VTE). The estrogen in these can raise your risk of blood clots. The minipill or another type of progestin-only birth control is a better option. But progestin and progesterone can also heighten your risk of blood clots, just not as much as with pills that have estrogen. Cholesterol changes. Birth control pills may impact your cholesterol levels. The type of pill and amount of estrogen and progestin it contains will affect how much your cholesterol changes. Birth control pills that have more estrogen might actually help your cholesterol levels a bit. But overall, the cholesterol changes from birth control pills aren’t huge and won’t usually affect your health.

You’re no more likely to get pregnant from sex if you drink alcohol with the pill. But your decisions about having sex might not be as wise. Also, the pill can slow the amount of time it takes for alcohol to leave your body. If you drink too much, you could stay tipsy longer.

When taken as directed, birth control pills are usually effective the first month you begin taking them. To be safe, some doctors recommend the use of another form of birth control, such as condoms and foam, during the first month. After the first month, you can just rely on the pill for birth control.