Lucy Payton 
Vitamins are an important part of any birth control regimen, but they are often overlooked. If you are considering using birth control pills, it is important to understand how vitamins can affect their efficacy.
Here is what you need to know about vitamins for birth control.
What is birth control
Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control available, including:
- hormonal methods (such as the pill, patch, or ring)
- barrier methods (such as condoms or diaphragms)
- intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- sterilization (such as tubal ligation or vasectomy)
Birth control pills are the most common type of hormonal birth control. They work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). This prevents pregnancy because there is no egg available to be fertilized by sperm. The pill is more than 99% effective when taken as directed. However, this effectiveness can be reduced if you forget to take a pill, vomit within two hours of taking a pill, or have certain medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes).
what vitamins should i take while on birth control
There are a few vitamins that are particularly important for people who are on birth control pills. These include:
- Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps the body metabolize estrogen, which is the hormone responsible for preventing ovulation. Taking a vitamin B6 supplement can help to offset the drop in estrogen levels that can occur when you miss a birth control pill.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is important for healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help to prevent anemia, which can be a side effect of birth control pills.
- Folic acid: This vitamin is important for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking a folic acid supplement can help to prevent birth defects, such as spina bifida, that can occur when the neural tube does not develop properly.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is important for immunity and wound healing. Taking a vitamin C supplement can help to offset the drop in immunity that can occur when you miss a birth control pill.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is important for skin health. Taking a vitamin E supplement can help to offset the dryness and irritation that can occur when you miss a birth control pill.
What are the side effects of taking vitamins for birth control
The side effects of taking vitamins for birth control are generally mild and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
How to safely take vitamins for birth control
If you are considering taking vitamins for birth control, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you choose a supplement that is right for you and make sure that you are taking it safely.
In general, it is safe to take a multivitamin or a vitamin B-complex supplement while on birth control pills. However, it is important to avoid taking mega doses of any vitamin, as this can lead to side effects. It is also important to take vitamins for birth control with food, as this can help to reduce the risk of side effects.
Can you get pregnant while taking vitamins for birth control
It is important to remember that vitamins are not a substitute for birth control pills. They will not prevent pregnancy if you miss a pill or take them at the wrong time. Vitamins can help to offset the drop in hormone levels that can occur when you miss a pill, but they will not completely prevent pregnancy.
If you are concerned about getting pregnant, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you choose a birth control method that is right for you. We hope this information is helpful.
