Healthcare Services

Oral Contraceptives in Houston

What Are Oral Contraceptives?

Oral contraceptives are daily pills containing hormones that prevent pregnancy by altering the body's natural hormonal balance. There are two main types of oral contraceptives:

• Combination Pills: These pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, which work together to prevent ovulation, the process by which an egg is released from the ovaries. They also thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and alter the uterine lining, making it more difficult for an egg to implant if fertilization does occur.
• Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pills): These pills contain only progestin, making them suitable for individuals who may have adverse reactions to estrogen or are at risk for complications from estrogen use.

Benefits of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives offer a variety of benefits beyond pregnancy prevention. Our providers at St. Hope Healthcare help patients understand the range of advantages, including:

• Effective Pregnancy Prevention: When taken correctly, oral contraceptives are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, making them one of the most reliable options available.
• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Many people use birth control pills to regulate their menstrual cycles, reducing irregular or heavy periods.
• Reduced Menstrual Cramps and Symptoms: Birth control pills can alleviate common premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, such as cramping, bloating and mood swings.
• Management of Hormonal Acne: Oral contraceptives are often prescribed to help reduce hormonal acne by stabilizing hormone levels in the body.
• Lower Risk of Certain Cancers: Research shows that birth control pills can reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, offering a protective benefit for high-risk individuals.

Are Oral Contraceptives Right for You?

Deciding on an oral contraceptive method requires a comprehensive understanding of your health, lifestyle and preferences. Our providers take the time to discuss factors that might impact your choice, such as:

• Health History: For women with a history of certain health conditions, such as blood clots, high blood pressure or migraines, a particular type of oral contraceptive may be more suitable.
• Lifestyle Factors: Consistency is key with oral contraceptives. Women who may struggle to take a daily pill at the same time might consider other options, like an IUD or birth control shot.
• Side Effects and Tolerability: Some people experience side effects with birth control pills, including nausea, headaches or changes in mood. We provide guidance on managing these effects or exploring alternative options if needed.

Types of Oral Contraceptives Available

At St. Hope Healthcare, we offer access to a range of oral contraceptives to suit different needs:

• Monophasic Pills: These pills contain the same level of hormones in each pill and are taken for a set period, usually 21 active pills followed by 7 inactive pills. Monophasic pills are ideal for those who prefer a predictable cycle with a monthly period.
• Multiphasic Pills: These pills vary in hormone levels throughout the cycle, aiming to mimic the body’s natural hormonal fluctuations. Multiphasic pills can help reduce side effects for some users.
• Extended-Cycle Pills: These pills allow for an extended cycle, resulting in fewer menstrual periods per year. Extended-cycle pills are ideal for individuals who prefer to have their period less frequently.
• Progestin-Only Pills: Commonly referred to as mini-pills, progestin-only pills are ideal for women who cannot take estrogen or prefer a hormone option with fewer side effects.

How to Start and Use Oral Contraceptives

At St. Hope Healthcare, the process of starting oral contraceptives begins with an in-depth consultation. During this initial visit, we review your health history, lifestyle and personal contraceptive goals to determine the best option tailored to your needs. Once we identify the most suitable birth control pill, we provide a prescription and detailed instructions on how to begin taking it, ensuring you feel confident and informed. Consistency is key to the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so we also offer practical tips for incorporating the pill into your daily routine.

In case of missed doses, we provide clear guidance to minimize any interruptions in contraceptive coverage. As your contraceptive needs may evolve over time, our providers are available for follow-up appointments. During these check-ins, we can evaluate how well your current method is working for you, discuss any side effects, adjust your prescription if necessary or explore alternative methods if your goals or preferences change.

Find the Right Oral Contraceptive Method For You

For more information or to schedule a contraceptive counseling session, call St. Hope Healthcare in Houston, TX at (713) 778-1300. You can also book your appointment here on our website.