What is it?
Small tablet that contains 2 synthetic hormones – estrogen and progesterone (different pill types have different amounts and different doses)
Designed to be taken once a day, every day
Pros
99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy – if used “perfectly”
Can help regulate your cycle
Can help with premenstrual symptoms/menstrual pain/cramps – useful for those with endometriosis
Can help with acne – useful for those with PCOS
Can reduce the risk of ovarian, bowel and endometrial cancer
Cons
Various things can affect it working (i.e. vomiting, missing a pill, interactions with other medications) so we says it only 91% effective at preventing pregnancy in “real life”
Has to be taken every day at the same time to be effective
Doesn’t prevent STIs
Can have side effects – nausea, headaches, bloating, skin changes and breast tenderness
Can cause increase risk in breast and cervical cancer.
May cause changes in mood and libido
You shouldn’t take the pill if you…
- Get migraines with aura
- Are older than 35 and smoke
- Have a BMI >35
- Have any of the following medical conditions
- clotting disorder or history of blood clots
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- liver disease or liver tumours
- history of certain cancers – e.g. breast
- Poorly controlled diabetes
Important things to know about the combined pill –
If you miss a pill – make sure you know the mixed pill protocol for your particular pill to tell you what to do… as it depends where in the pack you are when you miss a pill.
If you want to fall pregnant in the near future, know that it can take up to 3 months and for some people longer for their regular cycle to return.
The pill can interact with medications and some over the counter supplements so make sure you check with your GP and pharmacist before starting anything new.
Finally if the pill is not for you, there are all sorts of other contraceptive options available to suit almost everyones needs – so book a chat with your GP to see which one suits you best.
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