Contraception: The Pill

There are two types of pill: the combined one, which contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and the progestogen-only pill.

A recent study, carried out by the Royal College of GPs, found that the pill is not associated with any increased risk of death (as this was believed by some experts in the past).

Jo Burgin from Marie Stopes international said: 'Since the contraceptive pill is the most popular method of contraception in the UK, we are very pleased that research concluding that it is not associated with increased long-term risk of death has been published.'

Combined Pill

Also known as: the 'ordinary pill'
How does it work?
The hormones in it stop you from releasing an egg each month so it can't be fertilised. It also makes your cervix (the opening at the neck of the womb) thicker so it's harder for sperm to get through, and makes your womb lining thinner so it can't support any fertilised eggs.
How do you take it?
You take one tablet every day for 21 days. Then you have a seven-day break before you start a new pack. If you like the routine of taking it every day and don't want a break, there's a 28-day version, but the pills you take in the last seven days are inactive.
How effective is it?
If taken properly, it's 99.8% effective. Although sickness, diarrhoea and taking antibiotics can all make it less effective or stop it from working completely. If you're worried, use condoms as well. Using condoms will also protect you from sexually-transmitted infections.
What are the good points about it?
It can stop period pain, and make periods shorter and lighter. It can also be used to help with acne. This is why some teenagers are prescribed the Pill, even if they're not having sex yet.
What are the bad points about it?
Some side effects include headaches, nausea, weight gain, tender breasts and occasionally some small spots of blood, between periods. These effects usually go away after the first few packs but if they don't, speak to your doctor because there are 22 different brands of combined pill. It also doesn't protect you from sexually-transmitted infections. You need to use condoms during sex for this. Taking the pill does give you a slight increased risk of blood clots, but you'll need to pass a health check before it is prescribed to make sure you're not at high risk of this.

Progestogen-only Pill

Also known as: 'POP' or the 'mini-pill'
How does it work?
It thickens the cervix so it's harder for sperm to get through, it makes the womb lining thinner and some of them, such as Cerazette, stop you ovulating (or producing an egg).
How do you take it?
You take one tablet every day for 28 days. You don't have a break with the mini-pill and it's important you take it at the same time every day. Taking it even three hours late can increase the chance of getting pregnant. Use condoms to be on the safe side if this happens. Condoms can protect you against sexually transmitted infections too.
How effective is it?
It's not as effective as the combined pill but is 90-99% safe. Being overweight can make it less effective too. Speak to your doctor if you're worried.
What are the good points about it?
It gives you fewer problems than the combined pill and is especially good for breastfeeding mums (the combined pill can stop milk being produced), women who can't take oestrogen, women at risk of heart disease or strokes and heavy smokers.
What are the bad points about it?
Some side effects include irregular periods, or your periods could stop completely, spots, nausea and headaches. If you've had an ectopic pregnancy, breast cancer or abnormally high cholesterol your doctor might not give it to you. As with the combined pill, the progestogen-only pill does give you a slight increased risk of blood clots, but you'll need to pass a health check before it is prescribed to make sure you're not at high risk of this.

Next: Find out information about condoms

Where next?
- How can the Pill help with heavy or irregular periods?
- The Pill and acne
- Overweight and worried about taking the Pill? Our diet pages have loads of inspiration and tips
- More about sexually-transmitted infections
- Find out about post-birth contraception
- Tips for dealing with your doctor
- Talking to your teen about sex and relationships
- Which contraception works for you? Join Chat and tell others about it

Sources and other help:
Family Planning Association
BBC Health
NHS Direct
Netdoctor.co.uk