The birth control pill is safe and effective. Consider all the approaches you have heard for preventing HIV infection. To reduce the risk of STDs, use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Pills are very effective if swallowed at the same time every day and if other instructions regarding other medication use or use during episodes of diarrhea or vomiting are followed.
Pills decrease menstrual blood loss and menstrual cramps.
Pills also decrease your chance of having an ectopic pregnancy - a pregnancy outside of the uterus. Most side effects of the pill are not serious. The most common side effects which may occur are nausea, vomiting, bleeding between periods, weight gain and breast tenderness. Most of these side effects resolve in the first three months of pill use. Serious side effects of the pill are rare, especially among young healthy women.