The combined pill represents one of the most popular forms of contraception available on the market with some twenty three brands currently available. It is called the combined pill because it contains the hormones oestrogen and progestrogen which help prevent pregnancy in a combination of two ways. The pill prevents the release of an egg for fertilization within the womb a process known as ovulation. In addition to this, it thickens the mucus around the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the inside of the womb.
How do I use The Combined Pill?
The pill must be taken daily for a total of twenty one days. After this twenty one day period, you must then have seven days without taking the pill. This twenty eight day cycle must then be repeated until a time you view fit to come off birth control. The combined pill should also be taken around the same time every day within the twenty one day period to be effective.
Can I use The Combined Pill?
The combined pill is commonly prescribed by a GP or doctor and an extensive medical history must be provided before any prescription can be obtained. This is because some women cannot be safely placed on the combined pill, due to health concerns. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and circulatory disease can be aggravated through the use of the pill because it contains oestrogen.
Additionally if you are overweight, breast feed, smoke, suffer from migraines or are over the age of thirty five then you should be advised against this form of contraception.
If your family has a history of heart attacks, strokes or thrombosis, the process whereby blood can clot within the circulatory system, from a young age then other forms of contraception should be considered
The Positives of The Combined Pill
The main positive of the combined pill is that it is more than 99% effective when used correctly. Furthermore, for women aged between sixteen and thirty that do not smoke, the risks of any side effects are very small.
The pill is known to help protect woman against the threat of cancer in the colon ovaries or womb as well as reducing the risk of pelvic infection.
The most obvious benefit of the combined pill is the relief it provides those who had previously suffered from heavy and painful periods. Bleeding can become lighter when on the pill while period pain, otherwise known as pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) or pre menstrual tension (PMT) can also be avoided. This is because the combined pill prevents ovulation which means women on the course do not have a regular full period each month.
This form of contraception is also viewed positively simply because it does not disrupt the spontaneity of the sexual experience.
The Negatives of The Combined Pill
While there is no evidence to support the claim that the combined pill causes weight gain, a number of other minor side effects are created by this use of contraception. These include mood swings, nausea, headaches and breast tenderness. Some women even claim that use of the pill leads to a loss of libido or sex drive.
However, the pill can also be the cause of a series of far worse side effects amongst a small number of women. Cases of women suffering blood clots, and cancer of the breast or cervix have been recorded. Additionally, the minor risk of thrombosis means these are all real dangers to consider before choosing this course of contraception.
If taken over twelve hours late, the combined pill can prove ineffective. In these instances, additional contraception will be required. Furthermore, the use of other prescription medicines can hinder the effect of the pill and if you are suffering from either diarrhea or bouts of vomiting the combined pill will also prove ineffective when used on its own. This type of contraception can offer no form of protection against diseases which are sexually transmitted.