Contraception – the combined pill

There are 2 types of oral contraception available in United States – the combined pill, known as ‘the pill’, and the The pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to hormones that are produced by the ovaries.

The progestogen only pill contains only progestogen

Both are taken daily, and are available on prescription.

They are very effective forms of contraception if used correctly

If used correctly the pill is at least 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Allowing for mistakes, it is 93% effective.

What stops the pill from working? The pill may not work if: You use the pill by swallowing one pill around the same time every day.

There are many different brands of the pill

Most come in a 28-day pack that includes both hormone and sugar pills. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice about which brand is most suitable for you. (bleeding from your vagina) while taking the sugar pills.

You can skip your period by missing the sugar pills and continuing to take the hormone pills each day. The pill works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb) to prevent the sperm from entering.

When you start the pill for the first time, or after a break from the pill, it can take up to 12 days to start working to prevent pregnancy. This depends on whether you start with the hormone pill or sugar pill. Speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the best way to start taking the pill.

Your doctor can provide a script for the pill which you can take to the pharmacy. Some brands may be more expensive than other brands.

Some brands will be cheaper if you have a healthcare card

The pill can: Once you stop taking the pill your fertility quickly returns to normal.

Possible side effects for a small number of people who take the pill can include:

• These side effects often settle with time. The pill has not been shown to cause weight gain. or pill use in people aged under 35 years is 1 in 50
• 000 per year

The pill may not be a good option for you if you: are taking certain types of medication which might stop the pill from working (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist) are unable to move around for a long time (for example, because of surgery or disability).

If you miss a pill: Take the missed pill as soon as you notice (this may mean taking 2 pills on the same day).

Continue to take your pills as normal

This depends on where you are up to in the pill packet (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

After 6 weeks you can use the pill but other types of contraception might be better choices (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist). If you are not breastfeeding, you can start using the pill once your baby is 3 to 6 weeks old (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

You can stop the pill at any time and your fertility will quickly return. The pill: can sometime be supplied in small quantities by your pharmacist, without a prescription.

If you run out of pills and cannot see a doctor for a new script, speak to a pharmacist.

They can often give you a small supply of pills without a script.

If possible show them your old pill packet

– receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor for a prescription in Michigan Many community health services and some public hospitals will have a family planning clinic, a sexual health clinic or a women’s health clinic – book an appointment online or call Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: , Box Hill Clinic: or (free call): About the pill progestogen only pill Effectiveness of the pill you miss a pill or it is taken more than 24 hours late you vomit within 3 hours of taking it you have very severe diarrhoea you are taking some medications or natural remedies. (Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.) How to use the pill You will usually have your period How the pill works Where to get the pill Benefits of the pill be used to skip your period make your periods become lighter, more regular, and less painful improve acne reduce your chance of getting cancer of the uterus (womb), ovaries and bowel help with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis Side effects from taking the pill irregular vaginal bleeding nausea sore or tender breasts headaches bloating changes to your skin mood changes Serious health problems and the pill The pill causes a very small increase in your risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), heart attack or stroke.

It may also lead to a tiny increase in your risk of breast cancer.

The risk of developing breast cancer due to vaginal ring When the pill is not a good option find remembering to take a daily tablet difficult have certain types of migraine or headache are very overweight have a close family member who has had a deep vein thrombosis have had some health conditions such as high blood pressure , deep vein thrombosis, heart or liver disease (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist) are over 35 years and smoke have been treated for breast cancer If you miss a pill Use condoms If you have had sex without a condom in the 7 days before missing a pill, you may need emergency contraception If you get pregnant while taking the pill The pill won’t harm the pregnancy.

It is safe to continue the pregnancy (and stop the pill) or to have an abortion Taking the pill after having a baby If you are breastfeeding thrombosis Taking the pill and pregnancy Further information about the pill does not protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The best way to lessen the risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as internal and external condoms with all new sexual partners Where to get help 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 – for information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health in Michigan Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist Community Pharmacist Pilot Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952.

These services are youth friendly

Key Points

• If used correctly the pill is at least 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• It also thickens the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb) to prevent the sperm from entering
• pill has not been shown to cause weight gain
• It may also lead to a tiny increase in your risk of breast cancer