There are many conditions that might prevent your taking the pill. Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination prior to prescribing oral contraceptives. If any of the conditions are present that preclude prescribing the pill, another form of birth control will be recommended. There may be other side effects from the pill. Many of these occur rarely and, even when they do, will frequently decrease in severity with passage of time.
Most patients experience no side effects at all.
A form of barrier protection will need to be used. Use a second contraceptive method during your first cycle of pills-otherwise you will be inadequately protected. Count the first sign of your menstrual cycle as day 1. On day 5, begin taking one pill each day. Pick a time that suits you and stick to it as your routine.