There are two types of Oral Contraceptives available. A combined oral contraceptive which has an Oestrogen and Progestogen component and a Progestogen only Pill.

Both are very effective forms of contraception and offers a wide variety of choice so you can opt for a treatment which is best suited for you.

Contraceptive overview

There are two types of oral contraceptives available. A combined oral contraceptive which has an Oestrogen and Progestogen component and a Progestogen only pill.

Both are very effective forms of contraception and offers a wide variety of choice so you can opt for a contraceptive which is best for you.

Combined oral contraceptives are more commonly given, however, it may not be suitable for all women. If you are intolerant or if having oestrogen is not recommended then you can take Progestogen only Pills. If you are at risk of developing blood clots or have a family history of blood clots, the combined pill may be unsuitable and you may be given a Progesterone only pill.

For progesterone-only pills please see our ‘mini pill’ section.

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Combined oral contraceptives

What are they used for?

There are various uses of oral contraceptives. It is an effective, reliable and safe method of contraception. However, it can also be used in women with heavy, irregular or painful bleeds. The dosage cycle of contraceptives can result in the regulation of the menstrual period. It can also provide relief of pain and heavy bleeds as it reduces the uterus lining, thus reduces the amount of bleeding.

The combined oral contraceptive is the most common type of contraceptive and provides over 99% protection from pregnancy if taken correctly.

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How they work?

Combined contraceptives contain two different synthetic hormones, an Oestrogen and a Progestogen. They work in various ways, it can reduce the thickness of the womb lining which does not allow an egg to implant itself onto this lining. The mucus content in the cervix is increased which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel from the vagina to the womb. This stops fertilisation from occurring. Lastly it can prevent ovulation, which means the ovaries are stopped from releasing eggs into the womb. There are many brands available which contain varying Oestrogen and Progestogens and allowing you to find one which suits you best.

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How To Take?

Normal preparations are usually taken once a day at the same time for 21 days followed by a 7-day pill free period. It is best to take the pill with a full glass of water. The pill is taken as directed for as long as contraception is required. For other conditions it is taken as directed by the Doctor.

For everyday preparations – Take one daily

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Benefits of treatment

There are also certain advantages and benefits involving the treatment of contraceptives.

• Safely reversible contraception making family planning very flexible
• Reduces associated pain
• Effectively regulates menstruation giving you a regular monthly cycle
• Reduces the amount of associated bleeding

However, you will have to remember to take every day at the same time and remember when to omit the 7-day period. To circumvent this, there are also every day preparations which our doctors are able to prescribe.

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Adverse Effects

There are always negative effects that can occur, however, incidence is relatively low as the pill is generally well tolerated. Some effects are listed below:-

• Nausea, vomiting, cramps – usually transient and reduces the longer it is taken
• Changes in blood pressure and sugar levels
• Headaches and migraines
• Increases the risk of breast or cervical cancer
• Increases risk of blood clots especially if there is any previous or family history of clots

Please do not hesitate to ask the doctor for further information.

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Contraceptives and other medication

Inform our doctors if you are on any other medication or suffer from any other medical condition. This is required to ensure Contraceptives are safe and effective for you.

Do not take contraceptives without consulting the doctor of you are currently taking:

• Anti epileptics such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin,
• Topiramate, Phenobarbital, Primidone
• St Johns Wort
• Rifamycin antibiotics
• Diabetes medication as Contraceptives can alter blood sugar levels
• Blood Pressure medication as contraceptives can increase blood pressure which increases the risk of blood clots and heart conditions

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What do I do if I miss a dose?

We understand that sometimes you can miss a dose. It is important to know your next steps and to understand whether you are protected from pregnancy. An action guide is outlined below which will help you with your next step. Alternatively you can contact our doctors or read the guidance written by the NHS. A missed pill is one that is 24 or more hours late.

• If you miss one pill or start the new packet a day late, then take the pill as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next normal dose, then take the missed dose and take the next tablet as you normally would, even if it means taking two tablets. The rest of the packet is to be taken normally.
• You can use barrier methods if required as an additional safeguard but it is not essential.
• If you have missed two or more pills you may not be protected, especially if you are in the first 7 days of your new cycle. You should take a tablet immediately even if this means you take two tablets, then continue taking the tablets as normal. You will have to use additional measures such as a condom for 7 days to ensure you are fully protected.
• If you start your new packet 2 or more days late, then you should start the new packet immediately. You will have to use additional measures such as a condom for 7 days to ensure you are fully protected.

You should do the following if you are coming to the end of the packet and miss two pills

• If you have seven or more pills left since your last missed dose – then take the rest as normal, once finished you should take the 7-day pill free period as normal
• If you have less than seven tablets since your last missed pill – then you will have to finish the pack and start a new pack immediately after the last tablet in the previous pack

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Nausea and vomiting

Absorption of the active ingredients is reduced if you experience Diarrhoea or vomiting.
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking a dose, then you should take another tablet. If you experience Diarrhoea or vomiting for more than 24 hours, you should use additional precautions for seven days after recovery. Our doctors can provide further information if required.