Contraceptive pill: combined
Remember: the Pill does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections.
The Pill does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections. 1 in 5 young women forget to take the pill at least twice a month. Always use condoms as well as the pill to prevent STI's.
There are two main kinds of contraceptive pill (usually called the pill) that women can take: the combined pill and the progestogen only pill. The combined pill is most commonly used in Ireland. To get the pill you need to go to your doctor for a prescription or to a health clinic.
Remember: the pill may not work if you are vomiting, have severe diarrhoea or are using some types of medicine. In these cases always use another type of contraception (like condoms) as well.
The combined pill
This contains the synthetic hormones oestrogen and progestogen. It works by stopping your body from releasing an egg every month. There are several different types of combined pill. You should speak to your doctor about which is the best choice for you.
Advantages of the combined pill:
- The combined pill is almost 100% successful if you take it correctly.
- It can help reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pains.
- You may have lighter periods while taking the pill.
- It offers some protection from ovarian cancer and cancer of the lining of the womb.
- It can also protect against cysts on ovaries.
- You can become pregnant as soon as you decide to stop taking the pill.
- Some pills help clear your skin (ask your doctor).
However:
- The pill doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections, always use a condom with it.
- You might have temporary side effects like headaches, feeling sick or putting on weight but these shouldn’t last long. If the side effects continue talk to your doctor.
- Taking the pill slightly increases the risk of breast cancer. When you stop taking the pill the risk goes down over ten years until it’s the same as someone who never took the pill.
- If you smoke you are at more risk of strokes, thrombosis, heart attacks and high blood pressure on the pill.
How to take the combined pill:
- You start the pill on the first day of your period and take one pill every day.
- If you start the pill on the first day of your period then you’re protected against pregnancy from the first day of taking the pill.
- You take the combined pill for 21 days of the month. Then you have a seven day break before starting a new pack. Most women have a light period during this week. However there are some combined pills which are taken everyday without a break. These are called EveryDay pills and have ED after the name of the pill.
- The packs show the days of the week for each pill so it’s easy to realise if you miss a day.
- Try to remember to take the pill at the same time every day.
What to do if you forget to take the combined pill:
- Read the pack instructions carefully about what to do when you forget a pill.
- If you forget to take the pill at your normal time but remember to take it within 12 hours then you don’t need to worry or take extra precautions.
- If you forget to take the pill for more than 12 hours you need to take the forgotten pill right away, even if it means taking two at the same time.
- You also need to use extra protection, such as a condom for seven days after the forgotten pill.
- You must take a pill everyday during this time. If the packet finishes before the seven days end, then you start a new packet without stopping for the normal seven day period.
- Usually you won’t have a period during this time. This is normal and doesn’t harm your body.
- If you have been vomiting within three hours of taking the pill, or taking other medication or have diarrhoea then you should use condoms and follow the same advice as for forgetting to take the pill.
- If you are still unsure what to do, seek advice from your pharmacist, family planning provider or doctor. While you are getting advice don't stop taking the pill and use an extra method of contraception.
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