‘The pill’, ‘birth control’, ‘the contraceptive pill’ known by many names, is the most used hormonal method of contraception. It’s likely that you, like most women would have heard a lot about it, but do you really know it? Is this an option that is good for you?

Let’s see…

Oral contraceptives (the pill) are hormonally active pills which are usually taken by women daily. They contain either two hormones combined (progestogen and estrogen) or a single hormone (progestogen).

Combined oral contraceptives stop you from producing an egg (ovulation). Egg and sperm need to meet for pregnancy to occur.

Progestogen-only contraceptives also suppress ovulation in about half of women (they are slightly less effective). Both types cause a thickening of the cervical mucus, blocking sperm penetration. Oral contraceptives are 92 – 99% effective.

You can decide to start taking the pill if you are sexually active or planning to become sexually active and you are certain you are not pregnant now. Some pills are taken daily for 21 days and stopped for 7 days before starting a new package. Others are taken continuously for 28-day cycles. Oral contraceptives should be taken in order, at a convenient and consistent time each day. This method should only be used if you are committed and willing to using a daily method.

Let talk about the benefits

• It offers protection against pregnancy
• It reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy
• It can make your period regular
• It can make your period less painful
• It can make your period lighter
• It can make your period shorter
• It is safe, simple, and convenient to use
• It prevents or lessens acne, non-cancerous cyst in your breast and ovaries.
• Reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
• Can manage some symptoms/signs associated with PCOS
• Can be part of the management of endometriosis

Of course, there are some possible common side effects, like

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Mild headaches
• Spotting between periods

And some rare side effects, like

• Bloods clots
  • Slight increased risk of breast cancer
  • Small increased risk of cancer of the cervix

There are some women we just wouldn’t recommend the oral contraceptive pill for

• If you have had blood clots in the veins of your leg or your lungs
• If you have breast cancer
• If you have severe high blood pressure
• If you have complicated diabetes
• If you have headaches with aura. Aura (seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, tingling in your hand or face)
• Certain liver disease
• Women >35 years who smoke >15 cigarettes per day
• Women >50 years

Talk to your general practitioner or Gynaecologist if you have any of the above.

Let’s add ‘the pill’ to your list of options for contraception. It can be a good option for some women!