Contraception

Hormonal contraception is used to prevent pregnancy and is available in a variety of forms, such as hormonal pills, patches, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUD). These precautions work by interfering with ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and rendering the uterus inhospitable. They also contain oestrogen and progesterone, which are synthetic hormones.

What are contraception pills?

Contraceptive pills, also known as birth control pills, are oral tablets that reduce your chances of falling pregnant. There are several types of contraceptive pills all of which use synthetic hormones to change your natural cycle so eggs are less likely to be fertilised. 

Oral contraceptives work in three main ways:

  • They stop the ovulation process meaning eggs are no longer released from the ovaries. 
  • They alter a woman’s cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
  • They prevent implantation which occurs when the egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. 

Are contraceptive pills effective?

The most common type of contraceptive pill prescribed by doctors is an oestrogen and progestogen pill (the combined pill), which has a 99.9% effective rate in preventing pregnancy when used properly. When taken as directed, a mini-pill (containing only progestogen) has a 95% success rate in preventing pregnancy.

Contraceptive pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy in the majority of cases; however, because contraceptive pills are not completely reliable, it is important to recognise the small risk. To reduce the risk of pregnancy even further, combine your contraception methods, such as condoms and hormonal contraceptive pills.

The pros and cons of contraceptive pills

Before using contraceptive pills, you should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this method of birth control. While hormonal contraceptives are very safe and effective, it might not be the right choice for you and your needs so always do your research beforehand and consult with your doctor.

The pros include:

  • It’s an easy contraceptive method.
  • Hormonal contraceptives offer a high level of protection.
  • Contraceptive pills can help with lighter periods and relieve other symptoms such as cramping and bloating.
  • Birth control pills can help with acne.

The cons include:

  • Hormonal contraception alters the natural menstrual cycle. Some women would rather not disrupt the natural flow of their bodies.
  • Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, and a lack of libido in women.
  • Contraceptive pills should be taken at the same time every day, but it’s easy to forget, especially if you have a busy schedule, an active social life, or are under stress.
  • The pill doesn’t protect against STIs.
  • There is an increased risk of blood clots.

What are the side effects of taking contraceptive pills?

Nausea, weight gain, swollen breasts, and spotting between periods are the most common side effects of using contraceptive pills. The majority of these symptoms are minor and often go away with continued pill use.

More serious side effects of oral contraception include abdominal pain, severe headaches and/or blurry vision, and swelling or aching in the legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the pill immediately and consult your doctor.

Are contraceptive pills suitable for all women?

You should talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control pills if you have a history of heart disease or heart-related problems, a family history of breast cancer, you’re a smoker or are over 35 years old. 

Will contraceptive pills prevent STDs?

Oral contraception has no effect on sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, HIV, or herpes. Only the use of a condom is effective in preventing the spread of these diseases during sexual contact.

Choosing the best contraceptive pill

All oral contraception for birth control is by prescription only and should be taken under a doctor’s direction. It is important to disclose your full medical history to your physician when deciding which contraceptive pill is right for you.

Deciding on the correct birth control pill for you should be a joint decision between you and your doctor. There are many variables in both the contraceptive pills and your lifestyle that should be taken into account to choose the Pill that is most suited to you.

You should never start taking a contraceptive pill without the advice of your doctor. Different contraceptive pills are suitable for different situations and all carry some form of risk and thus should only be started after a thorough check-up from your doctor.

How are contraceptive pills taken?

Oral contraceptive pills are usually taken once a day at the same time. This is especially important for some contraceptive pills, which must be taken within a 3-hour window or risk losing contraceptive coverage. The majority of contraceptive pills have a 21-day cycle followed by a 7-day break before restarting, whereas others are taken continuously throughout the cycle. For specific information on each contraceptive pill, consult the individual instructions.

Remember, you should never take a contraceptive pill unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. It is critical that you only take your contraceptive pill for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor and that you have a pill review, including a blood pressure test, at least once a year.

You can then get a repeat prescription from your local GP or a reliable online pharmacy. The types of contraceptive pills available online include:

  • Brevinor
  • Cerazette
  • Cerelle
  • Gedarel 20/150
  • Logynon
  • Lovima
  • Mercilon
  • Microgynon
  • Norgeston
  • Noriday
  • Ovrane 
  • Rigevidon

Which type of contraceptive pills are available?

Combined oral contraceptives

Monophasic 21-day preparations

Brands include: Gedarel, Cilique, Yasmin, Femodene, Microgynon, Mercilon, Femodette, Levest, Lucette, Ovranette, Rigevidon, Brevinor.

Active ingredients: Oestrogens and Progestogens (see individual packs for specific hormones).

How to use monophasic contraceptive pills:

  • Begin your pill packet with the first pill labelled with the correct day of the week.
  • Continue taking one pill at the same time every day, working your way through the pack until it is empty.
  • You should then take a seven-day break when you get your period.
  • On the eighth day, you should begin your new pack of pills (this will be the same day that you started your last new pack).

Monophasic 28-day ‘every day’ preparations

Brands include: Femodene ED & Microgynon ED.

Active ingredients: Oestrogens and Progestogens (see individual packs for specific hormones).

How to use monophasic 28-Day ‘every day’ contraceptives:

  • Begin your pill packet with the first active pill, which is usually labelled ‘start.’
  • Continue taking one pill at the same time every day for 28 days, working your way around the pack.
  • When you are taking the inactive pills, you should have your period during the last 7 days of your pack.
  • Start your new pack of pills the day after you finish the last inactive pill from the previous pack.

Phasic 21-day preparations

Brands include: Logynon, Binovum, Synphase & Trinovum.

Active ingredients: Oestrogens and Progestogens (see individual packs for specific hormones).

How to use phasic 21-day contraceptive pills:

  • Begin your pill packet with the first pill of the first colour.
  • Continue taking one pill at the same time every day, working your way through the pack until it is empty.
  • You should then take a seven-day break when you get your period.
  • On the eighth day, you should begin your new pack of pills (this will be the same day that you started your last new pack).

Phasic 28-day ‘every day’ preparations

Brands include: Logynon ED.

Active ingredients: Oestrogens and Progestogens (see individual packs for specific hormones).

How to use phasic 28-day ‘every day’ contraceptive pills:

  • Begin your pill packet with the first active pill, which is usually labelled ‘start.’
  • Continue taking one pill at the same time every day for 28 days, working your way around the pack.
  • When you are taking the inactive pills, you should have your period during the last 7 days of your pack.
  • Start your new pack of pills the day after you finish the last inactive pill from the previous pack.

Progestogen-only oral contraceptives

Brands include: Cerazette, Femulen, Micronor, Norgeston, Noriday, Zelleta, Feanolla, Cerelle, & generic desogestrel.

Active ingredients: Progestogen (see individual packs for specific hormones).

How to use progestogen-only contraceptive pills:

  • Begin your pill packet with the first pill at a convenient time of day.
  • Continue taking one pill at the same time each day within a 3-hour window (12 hours for Cerazette), working your way around the pack until the 28-day pack is finished.
  • Your period may be affected by your pill; it may stop, become lighter, or become irregular.
  • You should begin your new pack of pills the day after you finish the previous pack’s last pill.

Can you take emergency contraception while on the pill?

In the event of barrier or hormonal birth control failure, morning-after pills are available and can be taken alongside hormonal contraceptive pills. They are single pills taken orally and can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after unprotected sex by preventing implantation from occurring if it hasn’t already — this is why emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible. Levonelle is recommended within 72 hours of having unprotected sex (EllaOne can be used within 120 hours).

When other methods of contraception, such as barrier methods like condoms, have failed and there is a risk of unprotected sex, emergency contraception should be used. On a regular basis, emergency contraception should not be used as the first line of defence.