The good news about prescription birth control is that doctors and medical researches have followed its treatment history for over forty years. For that reason, a young, non-smoking woman in good health can safely take prescription birth control from her late teens into her mid-thirties safely and continuously. The exceptions would be, of course, prior to attempts to get pregnant and during any pregnancies.

Over Thirty-Five

One of the risk factors associated with prescription birth control is the age of the woman taking the medication. As a woman reaches her mid-thirties, her chance of having a heart attack or stroke or of developing cancer increase significantly. For this reason, if you have reached your mid to late thirties and are certain that you no longer want to have any more children, you may seriously consider a permanent birth control solution such as sterilization for you or your spouse. If you are not ready to end your fertility, you may consider any of the remaining alternatives such as a diaphragm or an IUD.

Taking a Break

Some doctors recommend taking a break from prescription birth control periodically to give your body a rest. Because prescription birth control is the only form of birth control that is nearly one hundred percent effective, using two forms of alternative birth control during a break is a good idea.

Side Effects

If you are experiencing unpleasant reaction to or side effects from a new prescription, continue to have your doctor monitor your progress. For some minor side effects such as swelling and slight nausea and headaches, your body may take a few weeks to adjust. However, such side effects as depression, migraines, bleeding, and discharge, or an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the patch, for example, may require you to switch to a different prescription. The important thing is for you to have regular check ups with your doctor in order to monitor your well-being.