Your doctor has prescribed birth control pills for you. Birth control pills are made of hormones similar to ones produced by your own body. These hormones control the female menstrual cycle and fertility. The main purpose of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, but they are also given to prevent painful cramps and stop excess bleeding. When you start taking the pill you may notice a decrease in cramping and bleeding which is perfectly normal.
No! Birth control pills do not stop sexually transmitted diseases like GC or AIDS. The only way to stop these is to use a barrier such a condom.
You may wish to further discuss wether or not to take birth control pills with your doctor if you are pregnant, have breast cancer, ever had a stroke or heart attack, have coronary heart disease, have a liver tumor or impaired liver function, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. You may can still take the pill if you have high blood pressure, have ever been depressed, smoke, or have diabetes but be sure and tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, eye pain, or severe leg pain, be sure to inform your doctor immediately.
Breakthrough bleeding (spotting) is common for the first few cycles but should not last longer than 3-6 months. Although very rare, people that use the pill are at increased risk of getting a benign type of liver tumor (hepatic adenoma). Birth control pills do not cause breast cancer and actually may prevent endometrial and ovarian carcinoma. There is an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg).