The contraceptive pill is a method of contraception.
The contraceptive pill is usually sold in packs containing 21 or 28 pills. There are many different brands and packagings.
Regular contraceptive pills contain two hormones. Additionally, there are contraceptive pills containing only one hormone, which are called progestogen-only pills. These hormones prevent ovulation, and also make it more difficult for sperm cells to enter the uterus.
How to take the contraceptive pill
Regular contraceptive pills (pills containing two hormones)
A pack with 21 pills should be used in the following way:
- Take 1 pill every day at the same time. The days of the week are usually marked on the back of the pack. You can check that you did not forget to take a pill.
- After 21 days (3 weeks) the pack is finished.
- For the next 7 days (1 week), you do not take any pills. This week you will start to bleed from the vagina (menstrual period). You are also protected in this week.
- After 7 days (1 week) you start a new pack of pills, even if you are still bleeding.
- Continue following the previous steps.
In a pack with 28 pills the last 4 or 7 pills have a different colour. These do not contain hormones, and are there so that you remember to take a pill every day.
Progestogen-only pills
Progestogen-only pills only come in packages with 28 pills. All the pills contain progestogen. You should take one pill at the same time every day.
Reliable
The contraceptive pill is very reliable if used correctly.
The contraceptive pill can be less safe, if:
- You do not always take it at the same time (especially if you take the pill more than 12 hours after the time you usually take it);
- You vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill;
- You have heavy diarrhoea a few hours after taking the pill;
- You are taking antibiotics, laxatives or pills against epilepsy or HIV. Check this with a doctor or pharmacist;
- You forget to take a pill.
Use a condom if you have sexual intercourse when the contraceptive pill is less safe.
Does it affect your health?
The contraceptive pill contains hormones. These hormones do not generally affect your health.
In some cases it is better, however, to choose another method of contraception. For example: if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day and are aged over 35, if you have a high risk of getting a heart disease or vascular disease. Ask a doctor for advice.
The contraceptive pill does not make you less fertile. If you want to get pregnant, you just stop taking the pill.
The contraceptive pill does not make you fat.
The contraceptive pill does not increase the amount of body hair.
During the first months of use, you may have side-effects such as tender breasts, light bleeding between 2 menstrual periods, mood swings, headache and nausea. The side effects are always most severe in the beginning, and usually go away on their own within three months. If the problems do not go away you can change to a different contraceptive method. There are also different types of pills. Together with a doctor, you can find the pill that suits you best.
Your menstrual periods often become less heavy and less painful.
Protection against HIV and STIs
The contraceptive pill does not protect against STIs or HIV. Only a condom can protect you.
Mini-pill
You can also take the mini-pill. It is similar to the regular contraceptive pill, but it is not as safe.
The mini-pill contains 1 hormone. The hormone makes it more difficult for sperm cells to enter the uterus and reach the egg cell.
The most common side-effects of the mini-pill are irregular menstrual periods and bleeding between 2 menstrual periods.
How to take the mini-pill
Take the mini-pill in the following way:
- Take 1 pill every day at the same time;
- When you finish a pack after 28 days (4 weeks), start a new one the next day. You continue to take the mini-pill during your menstrual period.
The mini-pill is less safe if you forget to take it for more than 12 hours after your usual time.
