These Are the Most Common Mistakes Women Make While on the Pill, According to an Ob-Gyn

"Some pills require more precise timing than others, but generally it's a better idea to take your pill at the same time every day," Dr. Landa told POPSUGAR. For one thing, you're less likely to forget it that way, which is super important for preventing pregnancy. Hormone levels also begin to fall within about 24 hours of taking the pill.

"Having the proper amount of hormones in your body at all times is what prevents ovulation, which will prevent pregnancy," Dr. Landa explained. "If you don't take it at the same time every day, you could risk ovulation and then pregnancy." Set a reminder on your phone.

If you do forget your pill, it's important that you make up for it as soon as possible. "If you forget your pill one day, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, take two pills then," Dr. Landa said. "If you forget to take your pills for two days, then take two pills when you remember, and two pills the next day as well." Still, this may increase the likelihood of getting pregnant, so use backup contraception, like a condom.

Birth control pills have differing dosages of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which can significantly affect how you feel when you're taking them. Women who experience side effects, like water retention and bloating, headaches, and weight gain may feel better on a lower dose, Dr. Landa explained. Someone with irregular bleeding may benefit from a moderately dosed, monophasic pill, which contains the same amount of hormone all month.

Even the number on the scale could signal that you need a different dose. "Women who are heavier might not be successfully protected from pregnancy with the lowest dose pills, so they may want to consider a more moderately dosed pill," Dr. Landa said. You have options, so always discuss your concerns with your doctor, who can help you change to another pill or method of birth control if necessary.

This is especially true if you aren't in a monogamous relationship or haven't discussed your sexual histories as a couple. "Women sometimes make the mistake of believing that birth control pills will solve all of their woes regarding unprotected sex. One of the things to consider is that women on the birth control pill have an increased risk of contracting certain STDs, particularly HPV," Dr. Landa told POPSUGAR. The best way to protect against cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV, is to use condoms to prevent contracting it. "Obviously condoms will help to prevent a whole host of other STDs as well," she added.

"Taking the pill with some medications can render it less effective," Dr. Landa said. For example, the antibiotic rifampin — which is usually prescribed for tuberculosis but may be used to treat other infections — can interfere with the pill. "Others include anti-seizure medications like tripleptal, tegretol, and dilatin, [as well as] some antifungal drugs like griseofulvin and ketoconazole," she said. There are more, so list all your medications for your physician when discussing your options, and when in doubt, use a condom.