The combined hormonal contraceptive pill (the Pill) is made up of two hormones, an oestrogen and a progestogen. These hormones are similar to the ones made in your ovaries. Many brands of the Pill are available which all have different types and doses of these two hormones.
If there are no medical reasons not to take the Pill, women can safely use the Pill up to the age of 50. There are some medical reasons where taking the Pill is not recommended.
Please speak to your doctor in this regards, and you can choose a pill that suits you or they can suggest an alternate method of contraception. You need a prescription to buy the pill from a chemist. This pill is taken every day preferably at the same time. If it’s used correctly, the Pill is 99.5% effective. In real life, it can be less effective (93%) if you forget to take it or you run out of pills.
You don’t need to take the white pills if you don’t want a period, and you can miss having a period and move on to the active pills in the next packet. It is great when travelling or on holidays, when you don’t want to have a period.
It is ideal you start taking it during the first 5 days of your period, for immediate effectiveness. If not you need to take it for 7 days before the contraception is effective. Consult your doctor to learn more about its advantages and disadvantages.
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Featured photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash
