The Women's Center is staffed with physicians and Physician Assistants to address the physical, psychological and emotional needs of women at the University of Oklahoma campus.
Services include:
- Annual examinations, including pap test
- Breast exams
- Contraceptive options
- Health maintenance counseling
- Infection testing and treatment
- Pre-conception counseling and planning
- Referral services for evaluation of abnormal pap smears and pregnancy
- Colposcopy
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 325-4441, option #1. For information on insurance coverage, contact the Insurance Office at 325-4611.
CONTRACEPTIVE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are some side effects of birth control pills?
2. Will I gain weight?
3. What can I do for mood changes and irritability?
4. Will my periods change?
5. When should I start taking the pill?
6. What time should I take my pill?
7. What if I forget to take a pill?
8. What if I want to become pregnant?
9. What does it mean if I have bleeding between periods?
Contraceptive FAQ
1. What are some side effects of birth control pills?
Slight nausea, mood changes, and occasional mild weight gain are common. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms occur. Serious side effects occur infrequently, especially if you are in good health and do not smoke. If you notice severe pain in chest, head, belly, or lower leg; sudden problems with speech; dizzines; yellow skin or eyes; or breast lump, call your health care provider immediately. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
2. Will I gain weight?
Weight change is usually minimal (body fat composition increases in the breast and hips sometimes - adding curves). Appetite may be increased during the first few months of pill use. To prevent weight gain, decrease fats and increase fruits and vegetables in your diet and exercise regularly. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
3. What can I do for mood changes and irritability?
Vitamin B6 (50mcg daily) has been known to be helpful for slight nausea and moodiness. Increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet may eliminate the need for Vitamin B6 after the first few months. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
4. Will my periods change?
Periods often change while taking birth control pills. Many women note shorter and scantier periods with less cramping. A drop of blood or brown smudge may be all there is while on the pill. During very stressful times, there may not be even a few spots. If you have taken the pills correctly, start the next package at the usual time. If you have no period or are concerned you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment for evaluation and pregnancy test. ^ ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
5. When should I start taking the pill?
Most commonly, you should start the first Sunday after your period begins, or if the period starts on Sunday, take the first pill that day (this may help prevent periods on weekends). ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
6. What time should I take my pill?
Take your pill at the same time every day to keep a steady hormone level. Try to associate it with something you do every day such as brushing teeth, eating, going to bed; routines may make it easier. Some women will not experience nausea if they take their pill in the evening. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
7. What if I forget to take a pill?
If one pill is missed take it as soon as remembered, take the next one at the regular scheduled time. If two pills are missed consecutively, take two as soon as remembered and two the next day; if this occurs in week three, follow the recommendation in your package insert. Any time a pill is missed a back up method of contrception is recommended for seven days. If three or more pills are missed discard the pack and start the next pack as directed in your package insert. The fourth week of pills of a 28 day pack do not contain hormones and if missed will not increase the risk of pregnancy. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
8. What if I want to become pregnant?
Stop taking the pill. It is suggested to use the back up method for two-three months to assure an accurate calculation of the delivery date and to prevent a multiple pregnancy. Sometimes it may take one to two months to begin ovulation again, which may cause a delay in becoming pregnant. Take a Prenatal vitamin supplement containing extra folic acid prior to getting pregnant to help prevent birth defects. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top
9. What does it mean if I have bleeding between periods?
Light to heavy bleeding between periods is called "spotting" or "break through" bleeding. "Spotting" is usually not a serious problem in young women when it occurs in the first three months of use or when pills are taken late or missed. Take your pills at the same time every day to maintain a constant hormone level. A Vitamin C supplement may be helpful in preventing "break through" bleeding. If you have spotting for several cycles, you need to rule out the possiblity of infection or other problem by scheduling a visit with your health care provider. ^ Contraceptive FAQ | ^ Top