

Microgynon, Rigevidon and Brevinor are examples of this type of pill. One pill is taken each day for 21 days and then no pills are taken for the next 7 days. Each pill has the same amount of hormone in it. thins the lining of the womb, so there's less chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb and being able to growĪlthough there are many different brands of pill, there are 3 main types.thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it's harder for sperm to reach an egg.The pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). Using a condom as well will help to protect you against STIs. The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The combined pill is not suitable for women over 35 who smoke, or women with certain medical conditions. There's a very low risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots and cervical cancer. There is no evidence that the pill makes women gain weight. Minor side effects include mood swings, breast tenderness and headaches. You can also get pregnant if you miss a pill, or vomit or have severe diarrhoea. You need to take the pill at the same time every day. You start taking the pill again after 7 days. You'll still be protected against pregnancy during these 7 days.

You need to take the pill every day for 21 days, then stop for 7 days, and during this week you have a period-type bleed. In real world use, about 8 in 100 women who use the combined pill a year become pregnant due to incorrect use such as forgetting to take pills (92% effective). This means that fewer than 1 woman in 100 who use the combined pill as contraception will get pregnant in a year. When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The pill is usually taken to prevent pregnancy, but can also be used to treat: They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb. The hormones in the pill stop a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulating).

The hormones in the pill mimic the ones made naturally in the ovaries. It contains synthetic female hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. The combined oral contraceptive pill is usually known as the pill.
