Combined Pill

The Combined Pill prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg each month.  There are a number of different pills, we will work out which is the right one for you.

What is it and how does it work?

• A pill made of two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen
• The pill stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month

Chance of getting pregnant

• 1-5% depending on how carefully you follow the instructions

Health Concerns

• very small chance of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. More likely in women over 35 who smoke, are obese or have a family history of the above conditions
• very slight increased risk of breast cancer

Advantages

• simple and easy to take
• doesn't interfere with sexual intercourse
• periods usually regular, shorter, lighter and less painful
• less chance of cancer of uterus or ovaries
• can be taken up to menopause if you are healthy and don't smoke

Disadvantages

• must be prescribed by a doctor
• should not be used by women over 35 who smoke
• must remember to take it daily within 12 hours of the same time every day
• may have side effects, eg. weight gain, moodiness, skin changes, irregular bleeding, nausea