Dear mid20,

The birth control pill is a safe and effective form of birth control. Used correctly, it is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy.

Some women experience side effects when taking the pill and others don't. Usually, side effects go away after two to three months of use. Some common side effects include:

• bleeding between periods
• weight gain or loss
• breast tenderness
• nausea; rarely, vomiting
• changes in mood

However, you may also want to know that the pill has many health benefits, including some protection against:

• infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility
• ectopic pregnancy
• noncancerous breast growths
• ovarian cysts
• cancer of the ovaries
• acne

There are also rare but serious health risks associated with the pill. And women with certain medical conditions shouldn't take the pill at all. So, it's necessary to talk to a health care provider about whether or not it's right for you. To get the pill, you'll need to go to a health center, where a clinician will examine you and ask you some questions about your health and lifestyle. Call 1-800-230-PLAN to find a Planned Parenthood clinic near you.

For more complete information on the pill, check out Facts About Birth Control: The Pill.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.