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Oral contraceptives, also called birth control pills or “the Pill,” are medications containing synthetic versions of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone that are taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. Progestin, a synthetic hormone, acts like natural progesterone in the body. Either a combination of oestrogen and progestin or progestin alone is taken to prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg into the uterus.

These hormones inhibit production of other hormones that prepare the uterus for ovulation. When ovulation occurs, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens and prepares to receive the egg. Oestrogen causes this thickening. Natural progesterone suppresses ovulation during pregnancy. Progesterone and its synthetic counterpart cause the lining of the uterus to thin, so it is difficult for the egg to be implanted. Progestin also affects cervical mucus, creating an environment that is not conducive for sperm to penetrate. This prevents fertilization of an egg, or pregnancy.

Two main types of birth control pills are available: the combined contraceptive pill and the mini-pill. The combined pill is the most common form of oral contraception, containing both oestrogen and progestin. The mini-pill contains progestin alone. An emergency contraceptive pill is also available, which can be used up to five days after unprotected sex.

The most commonly prescribed form of oral contraception is the combined contraceptive pill. Three major types are available: monophasic, biphasic and triphasic. Each delivers specific amounts of oestrogen and progestin over the course of a month. In monophasic oral contraceptives, the amounts of oestrogen and progestin do not vary during the monthly cycle.

Biphasic pills contain the same amount of oestrogen for the first 21 days of the cycle, but the amount of progestin varies. This dose simulates a natural menstrual cycle. During the first half of the cycle, the endometrium thickens as it normally does. During the second half of the cycle, the change in the amount of progestin causes the uterus to thin and shed its lining, as it does after an egg has been released but not fertilised.

Triphasic oral contraceptives contain varying levels of both oestrogen and progestin that change every seven days within the cycle. Some women feel that this better resembles the change in hormones that naturally occurs during a menstrual cycle. There is no evidence that using triphasic oral contraception is more effective than the other types.

Progestin alone, without oestrogen, is used in the mini-pill. The mini-pill is packaged as a 28-day cycle, with each pill containing hormones. A pill must be taken on the first day of bleeding and every day thereafter for maximum effectiveness.

When used according to directions, the combined oral contraceptive pill is 92 to 99.7 percent effective. Pregnancy is unlikely to occur when a monthly cycle of pills is used correctly. If started within five days of the beginning of a menstrual period, you will be protected straight away. If started later in a cycle, another form of birth control should also be used for one month to avoid pregnancy. The mini-pill is 87 to 99 percent effective, slightly less effective than the combined pill.

The most common way a woman gets pregnant while using oral contraceptives is by starting a new packet late. Pills usually come in 21- and 28-day doses. If your prescription is for a 21-day cycle, you take a pill each day until the packet is finished, with a seven day interval of no pills. On the eighth day, a new cycle begins with a new packet of pills.

For a 28-day cycle, one pill is taken every day without an interval. A new packet is started immediately after finishing the month’s supply. For some women, a 28-day prescription is easier to remember and there is less chance of skipping a dose.

Some medications, including antibiotics, migraine and tuberculosis medicines, reduce the effect of the Pill.

Each woman reacts differently to hormones. Some women do not experience any side effects or feel any differently when taking the Pill. Others experience one or more side effects. Common side effects include:

These side effects often disappear after a few months of using an oral contraceptive pill. If they continue or are unpleasant, you can speak to your doctor about the prescription. There are other side effects that may be serious and your doctor should be called immediately:

There are slight risks associated with taking the combined contraceptive pill. Certain conditions increase the possibility of blood clots, stroke or heart attack. Whiles these risks are rare, they are more likely to occur in women who smoke, are older than 35 years, are very overweight or have high blood pressure. The mini-pill appears to have fewer health risks than the combined pill and may be appropriate for women in one of the higher-risk categories.

Our doctors can prescribe repeat supplies (up to 3 months) of your current contraceptive pill. We cannot prescribe a different pill to the one that you are currently taking.

Our doctors can prescribe most contraceptive pills, including the most common ones. Other pills available include:

BiNovum, Brevinor, Cerazette, Femulen Femodene, Femodene ED, Femodette, Katya, Loestrin 20, Loestrin 30, Logynon, Logynon ED, Marvelon, Mercilon, Norimin, Micronor, Norgeston, Noriday Norinyl-1, Ovranette, Ovysmen, Qlaira, Sunya, Synphase, TriNovum, Triadene

Don’t use this service if:

·         You are pregnant

·         You have been advised not to take the contraceptive pill by your doctor

·         You are looking to change the type of contraceptive pill you take

·         You are over 40 and on the combined pill

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