COMBINED ORAL

Combined Oral Contraception

Reliability
Depends on the individual taking it properly.
99% effective.
One woman in 100 will get pregnant a year.

How it works
Each pill contains two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen).
Taken daily at the same time for 21 days and then seven days not taking it at all.
Stops a woman from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

Possible Side Effects
Major blood clots (thrombosis) - rare.
Minor - temporary nausea / headaches / mood changes / breast tenderness / weight gain or loss.

Advantages / Benefits
Often reduces period pain and bleeding.
Often reduces PMT.
Protects against cancer of womb.
Protects against some pelvic infections.
Reliable if taken properly.

Suitability

• not for all women
• not for smokers over 35
• not when breast feeding
• not for those with certain types of migraine
• not for those with a history of blood clots
• not for those who easily forget to take pills
• for some women up to age of menopause

Who can provide it?
GP or Family Planning Service

Comments
not effective:

• if next packet is not started on time
• if a pill is taken 12 hours late
• with some antibiotics
• after vomiting or severe diarrhoea
• with some other drugs