The Pill
The Contraceptive Pill (sometimes known as the birth control pill) is a hormonal form of contraception used by women to prevent pregnancy. It comes in the form of a pill which you swallow.
How does The Pill work?
The Pill contains chemicals called hormones, which are found naturally in the body. There are two types of contraceptive pill available:
- Combined Pill - One type of pill called the ‘Combined Pill’ has two female hormones called oestrogen and progesterone that prevent a woman releasing an egg. Used properly it is very effective at preventing pregnancy. One pill is taken every day for 3 weeks and then you have a break for 7 days before starting the next pack. The pill can sometimes have side-effects, so the doctor or nurse will check carefully to make sure it is a good choice before giving it to you. If you are given the pill, the doctor or nurse will teach you how to take it so that you can rely on it.
- Mini-Pill - There is also a pill with only one hormone, progesterone; sometimes this is called the 'mini-pill'. This type of pill is taken every day without a break between packs. Your doctor or nurse might decide that this pill is better for you than the combined pill for medical reasons. It works by altering the mucous lining of the vagina to make it thicker. The sperm cannot then get through, and as the sperm can't meet the egg, the girl can't get pregnant.
Using The Pill
It's very important not to forget to take these pills. If this happens, protection against pregnancy is lost. The progesterone-only pill also has to be taken at the same time every day.
Effectiveness
It's a very effective method of contraception. If The Pill is taken exactly according to the instructions, the chance of pregnancy occurring is practically nil. A disadvantage of the pill is that it does not provide any protection against STIs. For very good protection against both pregnancy and STIs, The Pill should be used in conjunction with condoms during sex.