The pill
The contraceptive pill contains hormones that stop you from getting pregnant. They do this by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and by thickening cervical mucus which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
There are two main types of pill.
The combined pill which contains a combination of the female hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
The progestogen only pill which contains progestogen only. This is sometimes also called the POP or mini pill.
If you need the combined contraceptive pill please try (if you can) to get updated measurements of your height, weight and blood pressure before calling us.
How effective is the pill?
Both types of pill are 99% effective when used perfectly. However “typical use” puts the pill at about 91% effective (approximately 1 in 11 women taking the pill become pregnant each year). This “typical use” reflects real life where pills can easily be missed/forgotten.
The way in which the two pills are used are slightly different.
The combined pill is licensed to be taken every day for 21 days and then not taken for 4-5 days ideally, although up to 7 days is acceptable. During this 4-7 day break (pill-free interval) you will usually have a period-like bleed. However it is possible to miss out a bleed every now and then or even take the pill continuously, you can ask about this at your consultation (more information available here). You should take the combined pill at roughly the same time every day. Certain types of medication or herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort (antibiotics are no longer thought to interfere with the pill) being sick or having diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill.
The progestogen only pill must be taken every day with no break. It should be taken at about the same time every day. If you take it later than 12 hours, or 3 hours for the older POPs, there is a danger that it will not work and you may become pregnant.
Who can use the pill?
The combined pill is not suitable for women over 35 who smoke or for women who have certain medical conditions such as thrombosis, stroke, blood clot, heart disease, breast cancer or diabetes. Some women can also be allergic to oestrogen.
The progestogen only pill is not suitable for women with certain medical conditions such as liver disease or breast cancer. However there are generally very few signs or reasons why this type of pill would not work for you.
The doctor or nurse at your Devon Sexual Health clinic will be talk to you about your medical history and general health to help you identify the best type of contraceptive pill for you.
Where can I get the pill?
The contraceptive pill is available free of charge from any Devon Sexual Health Clinic for any women of any age. Book an appointment, or if you are aged under 18 then attend one of our walk in clinics, and we can talk through which type of contraceptive pill will best suit you. All consultations are completely confidential unless we are worried about your safety. You can also get the pill from most GP surgeries.
Are there any side effects to the pill?
Serious side effects of the contraceptive pill are rare.
The combined pill may cause temporary side effects such as headaches, feeling sick, sore breasts and mood swings. Longer term, the combined pill can make your bleeds more regular, lighter and less painful. It can also reduce the symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and acne. Negative longer term side effects can be higher blood pressure and there has been some research that links the combined pill to an increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer.
The progestogen only pill may cause temporary side-effects such as acne, sore breasts, sickness, migraines, mood swings. It can also cause ovarian cysts. It can affect your bleeding pattern making the bleeding lighter or more irregular and it may stop you bleeding altogether.
If side-effects continue for more than 3 months, contact your nearest Devon Sexual Health clinic and we can advise you about different contraceptive pills or alternative forms of contraception.
Combined pill pros & cons
- 99% effective (if taken perfectly).
- Makes periods lighter, more regular and less painful.
- Reduces PMS.
- Can reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and colon cancer.
- Can reduce acne.
- Doesn’t protect against STI’s.
- Temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, sore breasts and mood swings.
- Can increase blood pressure.
- Have to remember to take every day for 21 days.
- Not suitable for women over 35 who smoke.
- Can’t use for 6 weeks after birth if breastfeeding.
Progestogen only pill pros & cons
- 99% effective (if taken perfectly).
- Can make periods lighter.
- Safe to use when breastfeeding.
- Works if you can’t take oestrogen.
- Doesn’t protect against STI’s.
- Temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, sore breasts and mood swings.
- Can cause ovarian cysts.
- Can cause acne.
Frequently asked questions about
Contraceptive Pill
-
Will the pill make me gain weight?
Research has shown that there is no significant difference in weight increase between women who use the contraceptive pill and those who do not. Research has also shown that there is no significant difference between weight increase and the length of time someone takes the pill for.
-
Will the pill protect me against STIs?
No. To avoid STI’s you should also use a condom. You and your partner should also consider coming for a check-up at the start or end of a relationship, it’s quick, easy, free of charge and nowhere near as embarrassing as some people think!
-
How soon after taking the pill can I have sex?
It all depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle when you start. If you start the combined pill on the first day of your period you can have sex straight away, otherwise you should use additional contraception for 7 days. If you start the Progestogen only pill on the first day of your period you can have sex straightaway, otherwise you should use additional contraception for 2 days.
-
What age can I start taking the pill?
As soon as you are sexually active. A visit or consultation with a Devon Sexual Health Clinic is completely confidential, we won’t tell anyone about it unless we have concerns about your safety or well-being.
-
Will taking the pill affect my fertility?
There is no evidence that taking the pill for any length of time will have an impact on your fertility.
-
What happens if a man takes the pill?
If a man took just one or two female contraception pills then nothing would happen. If he took them on a daily basis over a long period of time, the higher levels of estrogen in his body would start to affect his health.
-
Does the pill make your boobs get bigger?
It very much depends on your body and how you react to the hormones. Some women may notice a slight increase in the size of their breasts, for some women they may get slightly smaller but for most there will be no change
-
Can the pill make you depressed?
There is no scientific evidence to prove that the Pill can cause depression although a recent Danish study suggested that the pill could cause depression, there were flaws in the research and the results are not conclusive. However, the pill does contain hormones, which are known to have an impact on our moods. If the pill you are taking is not working for you, you can try a different type of pill, a different brand or different form of contraception. Come along and see us and we will be happy to help you find the best form of contraception for you.