Starting Birth Control Pills: A Simple Guide for Teens

A Note for Parents

Your teen may be considering birth control for a variety of reasons—pregnancy prevention, period regulation, acne, or managing other health concerns.

The information below is written directly for teens and is designed to help them feel informed and confident if they choose to start birth control pills. We hope this resource also supports open, honest conversations between you and your teen. As always, our team is here to partner with both of you along the way.

How to Take Your Pill (and Make It Work Well)

Birth control pills work best when taken every day at the same time.

A few tips to stay on track:

• Set a daily phone alarm (this makes a huge difference)
• Take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with a snack
• You can start immediately (“quick start”) or the first Sunday after your next period
• Use condoms or avoid sex for the first 7 days after starting

Consistency is key. Missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy.

What If You Miss a Pill?

Missing a pill can happen. Try not to worry. Use the guide below to determine your next steps based on how much time has passed since your scheduled dose.

What to Expect in the First Few Months

Your body may take a little time to adjust to birth control pills. Most side effects are mild and improve within 2–3 months.

Common early changes:

• Nausea
• Light spotting between periods
• Breast tenderness

Over time, many teens notice:

• Lighter periods
• Less cramping
• More predictable cycles

If something doesn’t feel right, especially mood changes, let us know. There are many options, and we can help find what works best for you.

Important: Pills Don’t Protect Against STIs

Birth control pills help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

To stay protected:

• Use condoms every time
• Get tested with new partners, or at least once a year

When to Call Us

Seek care right away if you experience symptoms of ACHES. These can be warning signs of a rare but serious blood clot. Birth control pills slightly increase the risk of clotting, and this risk is higher if you have a family history of blood clots or if you smoke.

ACHES:

• A - Abdominal Pain: Severe or persistent pain
• C - Chest Pain: Severe pain or shortness of breath
• H - Headaches: Sudden, severe, or persistent headaches
• E - Eye Problems: Blurred vision, vision loss, or flashing lights
• S - Severe Leg Pain: Pain, swelling, or redness in the calf or thigh

Also reach out if you:

• Think you might be pregnant
• Miss two periods
• Have side effects that bother you
• Want to switch methods

Your Privacy Matters

In Washington State, teens have the legal right to get birth control or seek STI testing without a parent’s permission.

If you’re using a parent’s insurance and have privacy concerns, talk to us. We can help you understand your options. Our goal is to make sure you feel safe, informed, and supported.

Want to Learn More?

Check out these trusted resources:

• Bedsider (teen-friendly and easy to use)
• HealthyChildren (from the American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Planned Parenthood

Have questions?

We’re here for you. No judgment, no pressure. The pill is just one of many birth control choices. If it’s not the right fit, we can help you explore others. Schedule a visit with your PCP anytime to talk through your options and find what works best for you.