How to Use Low Dose Birth Control

by Alana Grelyak

Overview

Birth control pills can be a good option for some women. They protect against unwanted pregnancy and also offer some relief to women who suffer from PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). While regular birth control pills contain up to 50 micrograms of estrogen, the low dose variety contains around 30 micrograms while ultra low dose pills contain about 20. Low dose pills are sometimes used by peri-menopausal women to help stop the hot flashes, bone loss, and other symptoms associated with menopause.

Step 1

See your gynecologist or doctor to discuss your options and get a prescription for low dose birth control pills.
Step 2

Take the first pill on the first Sunday after the start of your period. Your doctor may also give you a different start date. Follow your doctor's orders.
Step 3

Swallow one pill each day. Your pill package should come with a daily calendar to tell you which day you should be on for each pill.
Step 4

Take all of the pills in your pack. You will have 21 days of active pills followed by 7 days of non-active pills. If your last seven days of pills are placebo reminder pills, you do not have to take them. However, some brands of pills will have seven days of a very low dose hormone to alleviate period symptoms and you must take those pills. See your package insert to be sure of which type you have.

1
Prescription for birth control pills Pills Daily timer (optional)
Prescription for birth control pills
Pills
Daily timer (optional)
Use a daily reminder, like your cell phone or an electronic calendar, to remind you to take the pill at the same time each day. Take your pill at the same time that you do another daily activity like brushing your teeth. The association will help you remember to take your pills every day. If you forget to take a pill, follow your package instructions to catch up. You may need to take two pills in one day.
Use a daily reminder, like your cell phone or an electronic calendar, to remind you to take the pill at the same time each day.
Take your pill at the same time that you do another daily activity like brushing your teeth. The association will help you remember to take your pills every day.
If you forget to take a pill, follow your package instructions to catch up. You may need to take two pills in one day.
You should not smoke if you're taking birth control pills. Women who have a history of blood clots, heart disease, or breast cancer should not take birth control pills. You may experience more spotting or bleeding between periods on low dose pills.
You should not smoke if you're taking birth control pills.
Women who have a history of blood clots, heart disease, or breast cancer should not take birth control pills.
You may experience more spotting or bleeding between periods on low dose pills.