Combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is usually just called ‘the pill’. It contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestegon. The pill has to be taken every day for 21 days followed by a seven-day break. This routine is followed every month. If you would rather take a pill every day you can take a combined pill that has seven sugar pills instead of the seven-day break. It is very important that you take the pill correctly to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It is 99% effective when taken correctly.
How does it work?
It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and thickens the mucus found at the neck of the womb which acts like a cork and helps to prevent sperm entering the womb, which stops them meeting an egg. It also makes the lining of the womb thin, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself.
Advantages
- Bleeding, period pain and premenstrual tension may be reduced
- Your fertility will return to normal soon after stopping the pill, although there can be some delay
Disadvantages
- You have to remember to take it correctly or it may not work
- It is not suitable for smokers over 35
- It may not be suitable if you are overweight
- It may not be suitable if you have other medical problems such as heart or circulatory disease, raised blood pressure, or some types of migraine
- It may be less effective if you vomit within two hours of taking the pill or if you have severe diarrhoea at any time
- Some medicines will make it less effective
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
To find out where you can get the contraceptive pill from locally please click here or order free oral contraception via our online service provider. To find out more about this service please click here.
For more information, you can also visit the Combined Pill contraception guide from the Family Planning Association.