The Pill
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Combined pill (COC) Effectiveness: Over 99 per cent effective if taken according to instructions. Less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year. How it works: Contains two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. It stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. Advantages: • Often reduces bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual symptoms. • Protects against cancer of the ovary, uterus and colon and some pelvic infections. • Suitable for healthy non-smokers up to the menopause. • When you stop using the combined pill your fertility will return to normal. Disadvantages: • Not suitable for very overweight women or smokers over 35 years old. • Very low risk but serious side-effects may include blood clots (thrombosis), breast cancer and cervical cancer. • Can be temporary side-effects such as headaches, nausea, mood changes and breast tenderness. Comments: • Missing pills, vomiting or severe, long-lasting diarrhoea can make it less effective. • Some medicines can make it less effective. • Breakthrough bleeding and spotting is common in the first few months. Progestogen-only pill (POP) Effectiveness: Over 99 per cent effective if taken according to instructions. Less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year. How it works: Contains the hormone progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. In some women it stops ovulation. Advantages: • No serious side-effects. • Can be used by women who cannot use estrogen. • Can be used by women who smoke and are over 35. • You can use it if you are breastfeeding. Disadvantages: • Periods may stop, or be irregular, light, or more frequent. • May be temporary side-effects such as acne, weight change and headaches. • A small increased risk of ectopic pregnancy if it fails. • May be less effective in women who weigh over 70kg (11 stone). • May get ovarian cysts. Comments: • It needs to be taken at the same time each day. • Not effective if taken over three hours late (12 hours for Cerazette) or after vomiting or severe, long-lasting diarrhoea. • Some medicines may make it less effective but most common antibiotics do not affect POPs. |
