Combined Pill
EFFECTIVENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL WHEN USED PROPERLY
Very high reliability.1
WHAT IS IT?
The combined pill contains estrogen and progestogen. The woman is given one pack for each 28-day cycle, and should take one pill each day for 21 days followed by a 7 day break.
WOULD THIS METHOD SUIT ME?
There are a number of different types of combined pills available, so if one particular type doesn’t suit you, you do have more choices.
Additional benefits may include regular periods, fewer or no pelvic
cramps, lighter and shorter periods, improved premenstrual syndrome symptoms,
and a positive effect on skin and hair. Further health benefits include
a reduced risk of ovarian cancer and cancer of the womb and less frequent
occurrence of benign breast tumors.2 There is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, but this risk is very low.2,3
Fertility will quickly return to normal when the pill is no longer
taken.
Some women may experience mood swings, changes in sex drive, headaches, cyclical bloating, or bleeding problems when taking the combined pill. These vary from woman to woman and according to the type of pill that is taken.
