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One of the most popular types of contraception is the pill. While this may be a convenient method of preventing pregnancy, some women experience unpleasant side effects from taking hormones and may wish to explore other options. 

The pill can be used for as long as you need it. You may wish to stop taking it if you want to get pregnant or if it's causing side effects. If you are planning to switch from one type of pill to another then make sure you read the instructions carefully to make sure your protection is not affected. 

There are certain occasions where having your period is just plain inconvenient and can disrupt certain activities. This might be a holiday, wedding or sporting event. Whatever the reason, you might want to delay your period so that it doesn’t get in the way. Taking the combined contraceptive pill is one of the easiest ways to do this. 

If you’re thinking about long-term hormonal contraception, there are three main choices: the coil (sometimes called an IUD or IUS), the implant, and the contraceptive injection. Before making your choice it’s important to understand a bit more about how hormonal contraception works, and the advantages and disadvantages of the different long-term options.

When you're prescribed with any medication, your doctor will usually ask you about any other medicine you are taking. This is so that they can make sure you don't take anything that will interact with each other, including the contraceptive pill. There are some types of medication which cause the pill to be less effective. It's important to know which ones in case you are taking any, or are prescribed them at any point. 

The pill is used daily by millions of women to protect against pregnancy. When it's used correctly, the pill is over 99% effective. This means that less than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant over the course of a year as a result of using the pill. There are factors which can affect this, however. 

Contraception is something that stops sexual intercourse between men and women resulting in pregnancy. Also referred to as birth control, it's an essential thing to consider for any adult or young person who is sexually active. 

The mini pill is another name for the progesterone only pill. It's a form of hormonal contraceptive containing synthetic versions of the progesterone hormone to prevent unwanted pregnancy. When used properly, it's 99% effective. 

Choosing the right method of contraception for you can be overwhelming as there are 15 different methods to choose from in the UK. There are many factors to consider so it's important that you take your time and review the options available to you before making a decision.

The pill works by stopping ovulation. This means your ovaries won’t release an egg each month so that fertilisation cannot take place. Aside from this, the hormones in the pill also cause the mucus surrounding the cervix to thicken and thin the lining of the womb. These actions prevent sperm from entering through the vagina and stops an egg from implanting itself into the wall of the womb should fertilisation occur. 

There are many different types of contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies from occurring. This is important for any sexually active person to consider to allow for a healthy, risk-free sex life within your relationships. Some methods of contraception are long-lasting, such as the pill, implant or coil while others, such as condoms, are single-use only. Contraception is freely available in the UK from your GP, pharmacy, sexual health clinic or family planning clinic. Condoms are available to purchase from drugstores, supermarkets and corner shops. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in the lower leg. This is a possible serious side effect of taking the combined contraceptive pill. Before taking the pill, your doctor will make sure it’s suitable for you, ensuring you don’t have any underlying conditions that can increase your risk of a blood clot. 

The pill is a type of hormonal contraceptive which is taken orally to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are two main types: the combined pill and the mini pill.   

Acne is commonly associated with teenagers and tends to be common with adolescents but these spots and pimples can persist right into adulthood. While it can be frustrating to deal with, adult acne is common and there are many different treatments available for it.

The average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days. Each woman is different however, and menstrual cycles can last for anytime between 24-35 days. Your period is considered irregular if it doesn’t arrive on time each month, regularly arriving late or early. It might only vary within a couple of days which is not a cause for concern. 

The contraceptive pill is an effective way to prevent pregnancy and is relied upon by millions of women every year. The pill doesn’t come without side effects and potential health risks however, one of those being high blood pressure. 

Amenorrhoea is the medical term for an absence of periods in women. Adolescent girls are described as having amenorrhea if their periods haven’t started by the time they are 16. In adult women, it is defined as having missed three or more periods. Pregnancy is the most common cause of this, but it can indicate an underlying health issue. 

The time after childbirth will be fraught with all sorts of new experiences and stresses as you get used to your new role as a parent and allow your body to recover. Contraception is a necessary component to consider amongst this. There are many different options out there so it’s important to find the one that’s best suited to the needs of your body and your own circumstances. 

The withdrawal method - also known as ‘pulling out’ - is a technique used to try to prevent pregnancy. In the pull out method, during sex, the man pulls his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates, reducing the chances of pregnancy.  

There are two categories of oral contraceptive medication: the combined pill and the progesterone-only pill. The combined pill contains synthetic forms of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, while the progestogen-only pill, as its name suggests, contains a synthetic form of progesterone only.   Many different brands of each are available in the UK, and can differ in terms of the amount and type of synthetic hormones used. This means that most women can find a contraceptive pill that suits them; while your doctor will do their best to prescribe the right pill for you, it is possible that you may have to try a few before finding the right one.   Many women have no problems taking the pill, but it is possible to experience some minor side effects. Usually, these side effects are a sign that your body is adjusting to the new pill and they are likely to clear up after 2 to 3 months. However, side effects that continue for longer than 3 months can be inconvenient, and you might wish to try a different type of pill. You can consult your doctor, who will ask you about your symptoms and advise you on alternative forms of contraception.   When changing pill, you should not have a break between the different packs. Your doctor will either advise you to start the new pack immediately, or wait until the day after you finish your old pack. You are advised to use alternative methods of contraception during the changeover, as it may take a short time for the new pill to take effect.   Irregular or excessive bleeding Breakthrough bleeding is the most commonly reported side effect in the first three months of taking the pill. Some women may experience spotting between bleeds, others may experience what seems to be one long period. While this is normal and not something to worry about, it can be annoying if it continues after 2 to 3 months. If you continue to bleed excessively and often, you may wish to consult your doctor for advice on alternative options.   Nausea The synthetic hormones in oral contraceptives have different effects on different women. Some women report feeling nauseous after taking the pill, which can be unpleasant and life-disrupting. It is recommended to try taking the pill in the evening before sleep. You can speak to a doctor any time if you are suffering from nausea on the pill, and they may recommend a form of hormonal contraception which bypasses the stomach altogether, such as the implant or the IUD. If your pill is causing you to vomit, you will need to continue using another form of contraception, such as condoms, since there is no guarantee that the hormones will have had a chance to be absorbed by your body.In this case, consult your doctor as soon as possible to talk about your options.   Skin Changes Hormonal contraceptives can cause changes in your skin, such as increased acne or facial hair. Again, this is most common in the first 2 to 3 months of starting the pill and often clears up as your body gets used to the change. However, if it is bothering you, of if your skin is not improving, speak to your doctor about possible alternatives. If the problem continues with an alternative pill, you may have to make a decision, based on your symptoms, about whether oral contraceptives are right for you at all. Headaches It is difficult to be certain that headaches are caused by your birth control, as other factors, such as lifestyle, may also be contributing. However, headaches are sometimes linked to hormonal fluctuations in women, so if you are experiencing more frequent and/or severe headaches, you can speak to your doctor for advice. The different brands of oral contraceptives vary in terms of the dosage of each hormone, and some women are more sensitive to one or both. It can be a process of trial and error to find which dosage relieves your headaches.   If you experience regular migraines, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe the contraceptive pill in the first place. Regular migraines are deemed a small risk factor of developing blood clots. Read about the link between the combined contraceptive pill and thromboembolism here. Difficulty concentrating If you find yourself feeling spaced-out, or have trouble concentrating or remembering certain things, there is a change it could be to do with your contraceptive pill. The influx of hormones is thought to mimic the confusion, or ‘brain fog’, that many pregnant women experience. Again, this may be related to other factors, but if you are worried about how the pill is affecting your concentration, consult your doctor for advice. Mood Swings While it is true that experiencing changes in your mood may be a sign of your body adjusting to the pill, mood swings can be unpleasant and affect your emotional wellbeing. You may find yourself experiencing extreme emotional highs and lows, or feel that you are acting ‘irrationally’. Again, this may be to do with the hormone levels in your contraceptive pill and you may wish to try an alternative. A little PMS is normal, but if you feel that mood swings are affecting your well-being, it is important to speak to your doctor about your experience. Hair loss Hair loss is a rare side effect of the pill, and its severity can range from thinning to losing large clumps of hair. This may be an indicator that your body is especially sensitive to the hormones used in oral contraception. For help on how to deal with hair loss, or to try an alternative form of contraception, speak to a doctor. Recognising severe side effects There is a very small risk that taking combined contraceptive medication can increase your chance of developing a blood clot. This is because an influx of oestrogen can cause your blood to clot more readily. The risk of developing a blood clot on contraceptive medication is deemed extremely rare and your doctor will not prescribe oral contraceptives if they think you are at risk. However, it is important to know the warning signs and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:   Sudden shortness of breath Difficulty breathing, seeing or speaking A feeling of pressure in the chest Swelling, pain or tenderness in your legs or arms   Most women are able to take oral contraceptive medication without any problems. You can read about the different types of oral contraceptives here, and start a two-minute consultation with Dr Felix to find out which is best for you.   * Sources:   NHS - Combined Pill: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/ NHS - Progestogen-only pill: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/the-pill-progestogen-only/ Signs your birth control is not right for your body: https://www.bustle.com/p/11-subtle-signs-your-birth-control-is-actually-not-right-for-your-body-7905802 Signs you’re on the wrong birth control: https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/birth-control-options/  

There are many different brands of combined contraceptives, and most women are able to find one that is right for them. Rigevidon is one of the most commonly prescribed combined contraceptives and is no different in terms of hormone concentrations from Microgynon, among other commonly prescribed brands. While it is important to be aware of the risks in taking combined contraceptives, it is equally as important that these risks be considered with appropriate perspective.

The contraceptive sponge is a soft, small donut shaped device containing spermicide. It’s inserted into the vagina to create a barrier to stop sperm from getting through the cervix. There is a small loop attached to it for easy removal. When used correctly it is 89-91% effective. The sponge was popular in the 1980s and 90s but it stopped being produced due to lack of commercial profits. In recent years it has returned but it’s not as well known a method of contraception as the pill, coil, implant or injection.

The contraceptive pill is a popular method of contraception. When taken correctly, it is up to 99% effective and many women find it convenient and easy to use. It works by releasing the hormones estrogen and progesterone into the womb and preventing the ovaries from producing an egg each month.    

The contraceptive pill is over 99% effective provided it’s taken correctly. It’s taken orally once a day and works by releasing hormones into the womb to stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. There are two different types: the combined pill which contains artificial versions of estrogen and progesterone and the mini pill which is a lower dose and only contains progesterone.  

The contraceptive pill, known as ‘the pill’, is one of the most popular forms of contraception in the UK. It contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent against pregnancy. You’ll usually take it once a day for three weeks and then there is a 7 day break which is when you have your period. The pill is 99% effective when taken correctly.

The combined contraceptive pill is one of the most common methods of birth control. It’s non invasive, easy to start and you can stop it any time. The pill works by creating an artificial menstrual cycle, releasing estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. It will also make the lining of the womb thinner and the mucus of the neck of the womb thicker to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

The contraceptive coil is a long term and effective method of contraception. It’s a small t-shaped device which is inserted into the base of the uterus and lasts for 5-10 years depending on the type. Once it’s in you don’t need to worry about it and they can be removed at any time should you wish to try for a baby. There are two different types: the copper coil and the hormonal coil.  

The time after childbirth will be fraught with all sorts of new experiences and stresses as you get used to your new role as a parent and allow your body to recover. Contraception is a necessary component to consider amongst this. There are many different options out there so it’s important to find the one that’s best suited to the needs of your body and your own circumstances.  

Many women suffer from heavy periods (menorrhagia). Having heavy periods often makes you more likely to experience period pain, fainting, nausea and diarrhoea during your period. Therefore, if you do have heavy periods, you may want to try to treat them, fortunately there are various options available that can help reduce your flow and the uncomfortable symptoms associated with heavy periods.

The contraceptive pill is primarily used to prevent pregnancy, however every day thousands of doctors around the world prescribe the pill for other purposes. So much of our body is governed by hormones, so a pill that alters these hormone levels is going to have some side effects. Fortunately, many of these side effects can be really beneficial to your health.

If used perfectly, the contraceptive pill is 99% effective. However, due to human error and forgetting pills etc. the actual effectiveness in the general population is 91%. This means that in one year 9 in 100 women taking the pill get pregnant.

For the contraceptive pill to work, it needs to be taken at roughly the same time every day. This is why the pill is only 91% effective when used by the general population, compared to over 99% effective if it was always used perfectly. It’s so important that you remember to take your pill, so we’ve put together some top tips to make sure you don’t forget to take it.

Fainting during your period is a common symptom affecting many women. Young women in their teens and 20s are most likely to be affected as their body acclimatises to the fluctuating hormone levels. There are several factors that may cause you to faint during your period: vasovagal syncope, low blood sugar and prostaglandins.

Yes, you could still become pregnant. To be protected from the first day of taking contraceptive pills, you need to start taking the pills within the first five days of your menstrual cycle. The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your period. This method works best if you have at least a 24 day cycle. If you start on any other day, you may not be fully protected for another week, if you take a combined oral contraceptive pill, so you would need to use alternative methods of contraception during this time. If you started the progestogen only pill outside the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you would not be protected from pregnancy for 2 days after taking your first pill, so you should abstain from sex or use alternative methods i.e. condoms for the first couple of days.

Dysmenorrhea is the name given to difficult or painful periods. In your period, the lining of the uterus breaks down. Just before this happens, prostaglandins are released. Prostaglandins are a chemical that is found naturally in your body, but the high levels around your period can cause vomiting/nausea, pain, cramping, diarrhoea and fainting/lightheadedness.

Most women can start taking the contraceptive pill on any day of their menstrual cycle. But if you have just had a miscarriage or abortion, or if you have recently given birth, your doctor may give you special instructions. How you start the combined contraceptive pill and the progestogen-only pill is slightly different, so make sure you read the section relevant to you.

No method of contraception is 100% effective. Sometimes contraceptive methods don’t work due to faulty manufacturing, individual biological differences or incorrect use. With this in mind, contraceptives often have two measures of effectiveness: perfect use and typical use. Perfect use, refers to the effectiveness of the contraceptive if it is always used correctly. Typical use indicates the effectiveness of the contraceptive, taking into account human error i.e. forgetting a pill, taking a pill at the wrong time, not using a condom correctly etc.

With so many contraceptive pills available, it can be hard to make a decision about which is best. Doctors use the NICE guidelines to help them make this decision. NICE guidelines are based on research and they tell the doctor what the most suitable treatment would be  based on certain characteristics. We’ve used the NICE guidelines to make something a little more patient friendly: We hope our flow chart will help you choose the best contraceptive pill for you, but will also give you an idea about how we make decisions about your health.

There are different types of contraceptive pill in the UK you should know about before choosing one. The combined contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as ‘the pill’, is one of the most popular types of contraception currently used in the UK. It contains a synthetic version of 2 hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) which are naturally produced in the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg. It also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb making it harder for sperm to reach an egg and thins the lining of the womb to reduce the chances of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb. The pill is taken once a day for 21 days followed by a 7 day break when no pills are required. Women are advised to have their blood pressure checked before starting, then again within the first 6 months of starting and once a year after this.

Contraceptive injections are available as a type of hormonal contraceptive for women. Commonly known as Depo, Depo-Ralovera and Depo-Provera, contraceptive injections are considered as a long-acting option for hormonal control. The injections have artificial progesterone called Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). A single contraceptive injection is effective for 12 to 14 weeks.

Hormonal contraceptives are available in the market for women as either injections or implants. These implants slowly release hormones in the bloodstream over regular intervals of time providing protection against pregnancy. If used the right way, contraceptive implants can be very effective.

Marvelon is an oral contraceptive that both stops the egg from releasing and changes the consistency of mucus on the cervix to make the uterus lining less habitable for sperm. Because it causes hormonal changes, it is possible that you will experience side effects while taking this drug.

Yasmin is used primarily to prevent pregnancy. This contraceptive prevents the release of the egg from the female reproductive system. In addition, it modifies the lining of the uterus and cervix, making those parts of the body inhospitable to fertilization. It is incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy, but it also has the potential to produce unpleasant side effects.    

Microgynon is a contraceptive drug that uses multiple methods to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. It not only stops ovulation (the release of the egg), but it also alters the mucous consistency of the cervix and the uterine lining, ensuring that these areas are not hospitable to fertilisation.The effect is a hormonal one, as the drug attacks certain hormones released in the body, altering the schedules and changing the way the body works. Such drastic changes are not going to be without some repercussions, and this drug, like any other, has its risks and benefits.

Intrauterine contraception (also known as a coil) is one of the most popular types of contraceptives that is used by women on a routine basis. It offers long-term protection against pregnancy with only a small risk of ineffectiveness.  

Cerazette and other birth control pills can contribute to weight gain indirectly. They won’t make you gain weight on your own, but they can affect your appetite. These effects will vary from person to person. The majority of people who experience appetite changes will have an increased appetite, but for some people they may have a smaller appetite and therefore they may actually lose weight. Having an increased appetite does not have to result in weight gain. If you are aware of these changes, you can pay more attention to them and regain control over your eating habits.  

There are several different types of contraceptive pill. Most contraceptives fall into one of two categories: the combined pill, or the mini pill. Here we'll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so you can make the right decision about which would be best for you. 

Contraceptive injections are available as a type of hormonal contraceptive for women. Commonly known as Depo, Depo-Ralovera and Depo-Provera, contraceptive injections are considered as a long-acting option for hormonal control. The injections have artificial progesterone called Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). A single contraceptive injection is effective for 12 to 14 weeks.

It is important to consider the reasons that might cause you to come off the pill. You may be having trouble with taking the pill on time or are confronted with certain side effects. In which case, you may feel more comfortable trying another type of contraception, including other types of pill. You may face certain situations where you find that you are not taking the medication appropriately, increasing your chances of accidental pregnancy.  Women who face issues such as these may wish to seek a more permanent birth control method. The contraceptive pill is one of the most widely used methods although a number of women may feel this method is no longer the right one for them. In this situation, an alternative treatment can be discussed with your healthcare professional as most of these women will opt to completely change their method of contraception.  

When you finish taking Microgynon 30, your body will take some time to get back to normal. You may not have your next period on time and you period could be lighter or heavier than normal. As your body readjusts, you can expect to experience some side effects that you may have experiences while taking the pill i.e. mood swings, headaches and nausea. These are nothing to worry about, but if these side effects persist, you should check in with your doctor about them.

Cilest side effects are rare, affecting only a small percentage of women who take the pill. 10% of all women taking Cilest experience some period pain, there may also be increased vaginal bleeding. This is a normal response, because Cilest can delay your period, making it slightly heavier when it does come. 

A contraceptive diaphragm is a type of birth control. It is made of silicone or latex material and can be inserted against the lining of the cervix to create a seal against the male discharge.

Hormonal contraceptives are available in the market for women as either injections or implants. These implants slowly release hormones in the bloodstream over regular intervals of time providing protection against pregnancy. If used the right way, contraceptive implants can be very effective.