The combined pill is made from two hormones: oestrogen and (like progesterone produced by the ovaries), similar to the ratio of the hormones that are in the female body.

How Does The Pill Work?

The Pill prevents pregnancy by

• Preventing the production of an egg (ovum) every month
• Changing the structure of the lining of the womb (uterus) so a fertilised egg cannot grow
• Makes the mucous in the entrance to the uterus (called the cervix) so thick that the sperm cannot enter.

How Do You Take The Pill?

• You take the pill on the first day of your period
• You then take a pill about the same time each day
• Take one pill a day until you have finished the packet
• With a 21-day pack, you have a break of 7 days before starting the next packet
• With a 28-day pack, you start the next pack the following day
• You will still get a withdrawal bleed similar to a period once a month.

How Effective Is The Pill?

As long as you take The Pill at about the same time every day, as instructed, it is at least 99% effective.

What Happens If I Forget to Take The Pill?

If you forget, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time.

If you take the forgotten pill more than 12 hours later than usual, you may not be fully protected until you have taken one week’s course (7 days).

If you have vomiting or diarrhoea the Pill may not be absorbed so follow the 7 Day Rule or see your doctor or Family Planning Victoria.

What Are the Benefits of Taking the Pill?

• Your periods will be regular (every 28 days)
• Your periods will be shorter and lighter
• Period pain will be reduced.

What Are the Problems?

Within the first 2 to 3 months of taking The Pill you may experience

• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Some nausea or sickness
• Breast soreness or tenderness.

Side-Effects?

• Women with uncontrolled high blood pressure or who smoke should discuss taking the Pill with their doctor as there are some health risks
• There is a slight risk of blood clotting in some women. If you get severe headaches or chest or leg pain when starting the Pill see your doctor, hospital or Family Planning Clinic immediately
• The Pill will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

Who Can't or Shouldn't Take The Pill

Women who have had

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clotting)
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Focal migraine
• Are smokers.

What If I want To Get Pregnant?

Most women who want to have a baby will conceive within 1 to 6 months after they stop taking The Pill.

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Last updated:13/07/2006
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