Dear profboty,

Some of the possible side effects of the pill are weight gain and weight loss. Most women have no weight change. But some women gain weight on the pill, and some lose weight. Weight changes usually clear up after taking the pill for two or three months. Talk with your clinician if you think the pill caused you to gain or to lose weight — another type of pill or another birth control method may be better for you.

The pill is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly. Like all methods of birth control, it has both advantages and disadvantages. To learn more, check out Birth Control Choices for Teens.

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.