All you need to know about the Contraceptive Pill
The contraceptive pill is a method of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. The different hormones prevent pregnancy by a)preventing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), b) thickening the cervical mucus so that sperm find it more difficult to meet the egg, and c) making the lining of the uterus less hospitable. There are a variety of different brands and formulations of contraceptive pills available.

Mini Pills These contain just one hormone - progestin - and can be suitable for women who feel nauseous with other contraceptive pills or are breastfeeding. They thicken the cervical mucus and make the uterus lining inhospitable and may stop ovulation. Women take one pill everyday without a break and with correct use they are 95% effective.

The Combined Contraceptive Pill These pills contain both progestin and estrogen. They stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus and thin the lining of the uterus. Women take one pill every day for 21 days and then either no pills for seven days or specially marked placebo pills before starting a new pack. If used correctly they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The contraceptive pill can cause side effects including weight gain, nausea, swollen or tender breasts, spotting of blood between periods, and mood changes. More serious side effects include chest pain, abdominal pain, headaches, blurred vision and swollen or aching legs. As these can be signs of a more serious problem, women should contact their doctor immediately if they experience these symptoms while on the contraceptive pill.

The contraceptive pill requires a prescription from a doctor who will perform an examination before giving a prescription. Both types of pill can be affected by other medications and so women should always check for interactions with their doctors or pharmacists when they begin taking a new medication.