The Pill

A pill that is usually taken everyday at the same time for 21 days; the stopped for 7 days before starting the cycle again. However, the way you take it depends on the type of combined pill you take. The 3 types are Monophasic 21 day pill – each pill has the same amount of hormones in it Phasic 21 day pill – 2 or 3 different pills that contains different amounts of hormone, these pills need to be taken in the right order Everyday (ED) pill – 21 active pills and 7 dummy pills which need to be taken in the right order, 1 pill a day for 28 days with no break

How effective are they?

Perfect use: More than 99% effective . Fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year when using the combined pill correctly.

Typical use: Around 91% effective .Around 9 in 100 women using the combined pill will get pregnant in a year.

What are the advantages?

  • Can reduce symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome such as bloating, stomach pains and headaches
  • You will be protected straight away if you start the pill on the 1st day of your period
  • Can make periods lighter, more regular and less painful
  • Reduces risk cancer in the ovaries, womb and colon
  • It may protect against pelvic inflammation disease
  • Doesn’t interrupt sex

What are the risks?

  • It has been linked to an increased risk of some serious health conditions such as blood clots and breast cancer in a small number of women
  • Can increase blood pressure and should not be taken if you have high blood pressure
  • Side effects such as headaches, nausea, tender breasts and mood swings
  • Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections

You should talk to your doctor or health professional about risk factors such as smoking, your age or medical history before you start taking the pill

What makes them less effective?

  • You have to take the pill for 7 days for it to work as a contraception
  • Some other medicines may effect the combined pill such as antibiotics
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Missing a pill or pills
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