THE COMBINED

PILL

PROS

• Easy to use expand_less

  For most women, it is easy to start and stop the pill.

• Effectiveexpand_more

  Is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.

• Periodsexpand_more

  Can make periods regular, shorter and lighter.

• Can be helpful for painful periodsexpand_more

  Can help reduce period pain.

• Reversibleexpand_more

  Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

• Doesn’t interrupt sexexpand_more

  By correctly taking your pill you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.

• Acne/skin expand_more

  Some combined pills can improve acne.

• Administrationexpand_more

  Self-administered.

CONS

• User dependentexpand_less

  It can be difficult to remember to take the pill. Missing or not taking your pill on time can make it less effective or fail. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also make the pill less effective.

• Periodsexpand_more

  It may cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Irregular bleeding and spotting may occur in the first few months of use.

• Short-actingexpand_more

  You need to take the pill every day.

• Contains hormonesexpand_more

  Some women prefer hormone free options.

• Breastfeedingexpand_more

  Cannot be used when breastfeeding.

• STIsexpand_more

  Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Weight gainexpand_more

  It may cause weight gain.

• Breast tendernessexpand_more

  It may cause breast tenderness.

• Moodexpand_more

  Some women experience mood changes, including mood swings, depression, or depressed mood.

• WILL THE COMBINED PILL AFFECT MY PERIODS?expand_less

  The combined pill can make menstrual bleeding more regular and may reduce heavy and painful periods. Irregular bleeding and spotting may occur in the first few months of use. It’s possible to miss periods by taking several packets in a row without a break if you prefer to not have a period.

• CAN THE COMBINED PILL CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?expand_more

  The combined pill can cause weight gain in some women.

• CAN THE COMBINED PILL CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?expand_more

  Some women experience mood changes whilst taking the combined pill. Different brands of pill suit different people, so it's worth talking to your doctor about trying another if this happens.

• DOES THE COMBINED PILL CAUSE ACNE?expand_more

  The combined pill can cause acne in some women. However, some combined pills can also help with acne. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how contraception will affect your acne.

• OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTSexpand_more
  • Breast pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Headaches, migraines
  • Nausea
  • Decreased libido
• RISKSexpand_more
  • Blood clots - It is rare, but some women will have blood clots.
  • Cancer - The pill can slightly increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as breast cancer and cervical cancer. However, your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer should go back to normal 10 years after you stop taking the pill.