Contraceptive Pill
The contraceptive pill remains the most popular contraceptive for women in the UK. There are over 20 different brands of pill which means there is ample opportunity to find a pill that works best for you.
There are many different reasons women choose to go on the pill. These can be to prevent pregnancy, to reduce heavy, painful or irregular periods, to clear bad skin or to relieve symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
The contraceptive pill is also proven to help ease underlying health issue such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis and reduce uterine cancer risk. It is important to discuss a family history of any of these health issues during your contraception consultation.
Ultimately, going onto the pill can provide you with more control over when you bleed.
Because there are so many choices and things to consider, it is best to discuss these options with the GP and they can provide you with guidance on which one is right for you.
Our nurses can dispense the contraceptive pill if you have been given a prescription from one of our GPs within the last 12 months.
What types of contraceptive pill are there and how do they work?
There are two types of contraceptive pill available - the combined pill and the mini-pill (also known as progesterone only pill).
The combined pill is a combination of two different hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. The combined pill works by preventing your body from ovulating each month. This stops the egg being released from the ovaries and therefore preventing the sperm from fertilising it.
The mini-pill is made up of progesterone only. The mini-pill works by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the uterus to prevent sperm being able to pass through and fertilise the egg.
What are the advantages of the contraceptive pill?
Every type of contraceptive pill is highly effective (up to 99%).
There are many advantages to the contraceptive pill including:
- Making your periods lighter, less painful and more regular
- Improving your skin, certain types are better for this – ask during your consultation
- It can reduce symptoms of PMS
- It can reduce the risk of ovarian cysts and fibroids
Can I choose which pill I get prescribed?
Yes, of course.
It is important to think about what you want the pill to do for you, whether you need it to alleviate or control painful or irregular periods, or help clear up your skin, or simply to stop unwanted pregnancies, or even a combination of things.
Our doctors will be happy to make suggestions and recommendations, and you’ll be welcome to discuss your thoughts and preferences.
How effective is the pill?
If taken correctly, without missed days, both the combination and mini pill are over 99% effective.
If you miss a day or are physically sick then this protection may be dramatically reduced.
How do you take the pill correctly?
Each pill can be different so it is important to check with your GP about how to correctly take the pill you have been prescribed.
You can do this during your consultation, and it will also be printed on your medication and on the package insert as a helpful reminder. Once you are in a routine, you won’t even have to think about it, it will become second nature.
What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive pill?
There are several things to consider before going on the contraceptive pill:
- You have to take the pill at the same time everyday (as required) – if you miss a pill or take it incorrectly, this will reduce the pill’s effectiveness and leave you vulnerable to pregnancy
- It can cause side effects including mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea, spotting between periods, headaches/migraines, decreased libido and weight gain
- Long term use of the pill, particularly in those over 35, can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, increase blood pressure, and possibly your risk of developing diabetes and breast cancer
It is important to note that side effects can vary widely among different types/brands of pill and between individuals and many side effects tend to ease within 2 or 3 months of first starting the pill.
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FAQs
It is important to be aware that the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill will reduce if you are unwell with sickness and/ or diarrhoea. You should have a second level of contraception available, such as a condom, to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
Taking your pill at different times of the day will tend to affect its effectiveness. For maximum protection from your contraceptive pill, it is best to follow recommended guidelines. The Pill is most effective when taken at the same time every day.
Some pills such as the combined pill, if started on day 1 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 of your period), provide protection from pregnancy straight away. This is not always the case, there are now so many different types of contraceptive pills that it is best to confirm instructions with your doctor during when the pill is prescribed for you.
If you miss a pill you may not be protected against pregnancy. It would be advisable to use a condom if you plan to have sex as a precautionary measure for the at least the next 2 days.
