The pill FAQs

Should you get on the pill? Does it cause cancer? How does getting on the pill impact fertility? Active! Gets doctors Suruchi Desai and Kurush Paghdiwala to answer those questions plus four more

It's been over five decades since 'the Pill' first arrived in the US. An estimated 80 per cent of women will -- at some point during their reproductive years -- use the combined oral contraceptive method.



Its use has moved beyond the original intentions of its makers, and the Pill is used today to cut the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer in high-risk women, to alleviate abnormally heavy or painful periods, to fight anemia, to stabilise moods, and to even clear up acne. Gynaecologists Suruchi Desai and Kurush Paghdiwala answer questions you may have about the Pill.

Does the Pill interact with other medicines? If yes, which ones and why?
If you are either on ATC (Anti tuberculosis) drugs or thyroid medication then it is best to inform your doctor, and then continue or discontinue usage of the pill, accordingly. With respect to any other drugs, there houldn't be a problem.

What should I do if I miss a Pill (combined pill/progesterone only)?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. If you miss two days, take two pills each day for the next two days and then go back to your usual schedule. owever there is an added risk of nausea and mid-cycle spotting when one misses two or more pills. It also depends on how many days you have been on the pill.

Will antibiotics reduce the efficacy of the Pill?
No, not ones that you use routinely. However, if you are still concerned or unsure, it is best to consult your doctor on the same.

When will my period return after I stop taking it?
Depending on which pill you are taking (a low dose one or a higher dose one) you should get your period within five to seven days of stopping the course. However, this is only with respect to the combined estrogen + progesterone pill. If you are on the plain progesterone pill then it might take a little longer.

Some studies report that the Pill may be a causal agent of breast cancer? Is there any truth to this?
Not at all. In fact, the progesterone hormone, which protects us from cancer is only produced in our bodies for 10 to 12 days. When on the pill, our bodies get progesterone for at least 21 days, increasing our protection against breast cancer. However, the problem here is if one does develop breast cancer, the pill aggravates the condition, and it spreads faster. Thus, it is very important to go for regular check-ups.

Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the Pill?
Yes, it will definitely work. The compounds in an oral contraceptive pill will not counteract the pregnancy test and the results will be absolutely justified. However, that being said, it is unlikely that you would get pregnant while on the pill unless you are forgetting to take the pills very frequently, as it is an almost 100% effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancy.

Does getting on the Pill increase or decrease fertility?
No. In fact, it leaves you in the exactly, as when you first started the pill. This myth gets propagated only because people start the pill without any knowledge of their state prior to getting on it, and when something is wrong they tend to blame it on the pill.

Is taking a break from the Pill recommended or required?
Actually, these breaks are completely unnecessary. It would be better instead to go for regular blood pressure and pelvic check-us to make sure everything is fine. It is 100% safe to continue using the pill up to the age of 40 or till one wants to get pregnant.