Everyday Pill
EFFECTIVENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL WHEN USED PROPERLY
Very high reliability4
WHAT IS IT?
The everyday pill contains estrogen and progestogen. The woman takes 24 active pink pills followed by 4 inactive white (placebo) pills. The woman will menstruate during the 4 white inactive tablets, but bleeding may also run into the next pack.
WOULD THIS METHOD SUIT ME?
The combined everyday pill has additional benefits which include shorter, lighter and more regular periods. The new 24 + 4 dosing regimen is designed to help reduce premenstrual related symptoms such as breast tenderness, headaches, period pains and pelvic cramps 5. This method will increase compliance: as it is easier to remember to take it every day. The everyday pill also has positive effects 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 tumours.2 There is 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 have minor side effects when they start taking the pill, but usually these subside during the first month of use. Side effects can include bleeding between periods, headaches and breast tenderness. These symptoms should not persist for longer than 3 months. If you are worried about side effects or if they persist for longer than 3 months, you should talk to your doctor about them.
