ORAL CONTRACEPTION.

THE COMBINED PILL:

WHAT IS THE COMBINED PILL?

The combined pill is a daily contraceptive medication that contains a combination of 2 hormones: progestin and estrogen. e.g. Triphasil, Nordette, Minerva, Yasmine, Melodene, Marvelon, etc.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

·         It stops ovulation (release of eggs from the ovaries).

·         They also thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass through into the uterus.

ADVANTAGES:

·         They do not interfere with sex.

·         Monthly periods are shorter, lighter and less painful.

·         They can be used as long as a woman wants to prevent pregnancy - no rest period is needed.

·         They offer some protection against:

* cancer of the womb and ovary.

* some pelvic infections.

·         They can reduce the severity of acne in some women.

·         They can reduce the risks of fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in the womb) and ovarian cysts.

·         They can reduce the incidence or severity of anemia.

WHEN IS THE COMBINED PILL SUITABLE?

It can be started at any time by women during a menstrual cycle (as long as a woman is reasonably sure she is not pregnant.)

It can be used to adjust the timing of the menstrual cycle.

It can be used by healthy women of any age.

HOW RELIABLE IS THE COMBINED PILL:

The combined pill is more than 99 percent effective if taken according to instructions.

AREAS OF CONCERN:

·         Temporary side effects include headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood 
 changes, nausea and bleeding between periods.

·         Not highly effective unless taken every day.

·         Does not protect against STI’S, including HIV/AIDS.

·         May increase blood pressure.

·         A very small number of women may develop vascular complications.

·         Not advisable for women who are breastfeeding exclusively.

THE PILL MAY BE UNSUITABLE IF THE WOMAN:

·         Is already pregnant.

·         Smokes and is over 35 years old.

·         Is severely overweight.

·         Takes certain medicines e.g. for epilepsy or anti – biotics.

·         Has had a previous thrombosis (blood clot in the vein or artery).

·         Has a heart abnormality or high blood pressure.

·         Has / had severe migraines.

·         Has active liver or gall bladder disease.

·         Has diabetes with complications.

CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT TAKING THE COMBINED PILL?

·         It is advisable for the woman to start during her period; however the client can start after her period as well. She will be safe within 7 days- after taking 7 active pills

·         She must take a pill every day.

·         If a woman has missed a pill, she must take a pill as soon as she remembers, or take 2 pills the following day.

·         When she is scheduled for any procedure under general anesthetic,  to inform the dr. about it.

·         Collect more pills at the clinic before she runs out of stock.

·         Continue with pill use, even when she goes on holiday or her partner is away.

·         They will not disrupt an existing pregnancy.

·         Condoms must be used when taking anti-biotics.

SEEK MEDICAL HELP WHEN SHE EXPERIENCES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

·         Severe constant pain in the stomach, chest or legs

·         Any very bad headaches that start or becomes worse after she begins to take the pill.

·         Any visual disturbances (eye sight problems).

·         Developing Jaundice.

·         Any symptoms of pregnancy.

·         Any irregular vaginal bleeding-bleeding other than her period.

The Combined Pill is available at all Marie Stopes centres.

For further information or to make a confidential booking  please call our

Toll Free Number: 0800 11 77 85