The Pill The contraceptive pill or oral contraception is a common form of contraception for women. There are two main types: Combined pill
What is it? This is the most common type. It contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen - which prevent an egg from being released from a woman's ovary each month. The combined pill can reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain. There is evidence that it also offers some protection against cancer of the uterus and ovaries.
Advantages:
- the pill does not interfere with the spontaneity of sex
Considerations:
- a full medical history is essential as this pill is not suitable for women who have certain conditions such as high blood pressure, circulatory disease or diabetes
- women over 35 who smoke or are very overweight may be advised to choose another method of contraception
- there are several different types of pill so if one does not suit you then another might
- the combined pill is not reliable if taken over 12 hours late or if you have vomiting and diarrhoea,
- when extra protection is required
- some drugs like antibiotics can also affect its reliability
- some women experience side effects such as nausea, headaches and weight gain
- the pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases/HIV/AIDS
How effective? Progesteron-only pill (mini pill)
What is it? Unlike the combined pill, this only contains the hormone progestogen. It works by
thickening the cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to stop sperm entering the womb. It also makes the lining of the womb thinner, to prevent it accepting a fertilised egg.
This type of pill is good for women who are breast-feeding, older women, smokers and others who cannot use the combined pill. It can also help with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods.
Advantages:
- the pill does not interfere with the spontaneity of sex
Considerations: - it must be taken at the same time each day or at most within three hours of that time
- it will not work if taken over three hours late, or if you have vomiting and diarrhoea, in these cases extra protection is needed
- it can cause irregular bleeding and periods may stop altogether while you are taking it
- the pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS
How effective?
In 2008 MSI distributed more than 7.5 million contraceptive pills globally.