What other contraception is available?
Contraception such as implants, IUDs, or vaginal rings that are long-lasting are also recommended. Men can undergo operations to be sterilized such as a vasectomy and tubal ligation which is a permanent contraception option and usually for men and or couples that have had children.
There is also the morning after pill which can prevent pregnancy after an accident, unprotected sex or forgetting to take the pill.
What is the pill?
The pill is a tablet that combines two female hormones – oestrogen and progestogen, which stop you from ovulating every month. The cervical mucus is also affected which will make it harder for sperm to enter the womb and inhibits female fertility.
How does the contraceptive pill work?
You should start taking the pill on the first day of your period; you will then be protected within 1-2 weeks. However if you start the tablets at any other time during the month doctor’s advice using another form of protection until you start menstruating.
The majority of combined contraceptive pills are taken at the same time daily for 21 days followed by a 7-day interval during which your menstrual bleed will occur. Women can also continue to take sugar pills during the 7 days to avoid breaking their daily routine. Failure to take the sugar pills during the placebo week will not impact the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill as long as you resume taking the active pills at the end of the 7 days.
What are the different contraception pills?
Phasic pills – these are taken in order over 21 days, followed by a break of no pills for 7 days. The dosage of hormones is increased in phasic pills. Some brands have up to 2 or 3 doses, these include Biphasic pills and Triphasic pills.
Monophasic pills – the pills are taken at the same time daily for 21 days and then followed by an interval for 7 days where you take no pills. Brands include: Cilest and Microgynon.
Every day (ED) pills – these tables were created to help you continue a regular routine by taking the tablets daily with no break. Popular brands include Microgynon ED and Logynon ED, which come in a packet of 28, with 21 active tablets and 7 sugar pills.
Mini Pill – this pill is a lower strength of the pill as it only contains progestogen and no oestrogen. Women who suffer from side effects from the pill may choose to have a pill that contains only one hormone. Having only one hormone does not compromise the effectiveness of the mini pill but the pill does not control periods like other forms of oral contraceptive.
What are the side effects?
Some studies show that approximately 60% of women experience no side effects at all. In some cases the pill can improve conditions such as acne, pelvic inflammatory disease, excess hair, dysmenorrhea and can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Side effects can sometimes occur during the first few weeks of taking the pill and often go away. If they continue make sure to speak to your doctor. These include:
- breakthrough bleeding (spotting)
- headaches
- breast tenderness
- slight weight gain
How can contraception be purchased online?
You can buy contraceptive pills online, safely and securely. You will be asked to complete a free online consultation form which will include relevant medical details. Our specialists can then make sure this is the right medication for you and your prescription will be sent to our pharmacy for next day delivery to your door.
