Combined oral contraceptive pills contain estrogen and a progestin. The pill keeps your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to keep sperm from joining the egg.

The combined pill contains two hormones and stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. These oral contraceptives are 99.7% effective if taken correctly.

Taking the pill irregularly, experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, or taking other medications that affect pill absorption can make the pill less effective. Also, you are not protected against pregnancy until you have taken hormonal pills for seven days.

Advantages:

• A regular bleed with reduced blood loss
• May help with acne
• Improvement or absence of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) which can cause uncomfortable symptoms and mood changes in the days before your period starts

Disadvantages:

• Tender breasts, nausea, and breakthrough bleeding mainly in the first few months of taking the Pill
• May cause some weight gain, mood changes or loss of libido in some women

The progestogen-only pill (mini pill) has only one hormone and works by changing the mucus at the entrance to the womb (uterus) so that sperm cannot pass through to fertilise the egg.

The mini pill is 99.7% effective if taken correctly. For most women, the minipill will not interfere with a normal menstrual cycle. Take the minipill every day without a break.

It is also suitable for breastfeeding women and can be continued after weaning.

Advantages:

• It does not interrupt sex
• You can use it when breastfeeding
• It is useful if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, which is in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring
• You can use it at any age

Disadvantages:

• You may not have regular periods while taking it – your periods may be lighter, more frequent, or may stop altogether, and you may get spotting between periods
• Some medicines, including some (uncommon) antibiotics, can make it less effective

At Burst Health Pharmacy, we supply and deliver a wide range of commercially available oral contraceptive products. Contact us for more information.