Combined pill

What it is

Small tablets containing two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.

How it works

The combined pill stops ovulation, which means the woman does not release an egg for fertilisation. It also thickens the mucus around the cervix making it difficult for sperm to get into the womb.

Advantages

Does not interrupt sex.

Protects against cancer of the ovary and womb.

Bleeding may be lighter and period pain or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)/Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) is less likely.

Disadvantages

Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In a small number of women it can cause serious side effects such as blood clots and cancer of the breast or cervix.

How effective is it?

This pill is over 99% effective if it is taken properly. This means that less than 1 in every 100 women who use the combined pill will get pregnant each year. It is less effective if it is not taken according to the instructions.

What makes it less effective?

Not taking it properly.

Taking it more than 24 hours late.
Vomiting within two hours of taking it.
Very severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.
Some prescription and complementary medicines (like St John's Wort).

Can anyone use this method?

The combined pill is not suitable for all women. A doctor or nurse will need to know about a woman's medical history and any illnesses suffered by immediate members of her family, to find out if there are any medical reasons why it might not be suitable.