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Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

What is the combined pill?

The combined pill, which is also commonly referred to as the “birth control pill” or “the pill,” is a small tablet that comes packaged for each month. Some people call it “oral contraception.” You take it once a day, at the same time every day. Many different kinds of combined oral contraceptive pills are available, and new options keep being added to the market. The combined pills contain small doses of the synthetic hormones estrogen and progestin, similar to the hormones estrogen and progesterone naturally found in a woman’s body.

How does the combined pill work

The pill works by:

1. preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries); the hormones keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
2. thickening the cervical mucus; this makes it hard for sperm to get into the uterus to fertilize an egg.
3. making the lining of the womb thinner; this prevents a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the womb.

Effectiveness

The ability of the pill to prevent pregnancy depends on the user. You are more likely to become pregnant if you delay starting a new pack by three or more days or if you fail to take three or more pills within the beginning or end of a pack of pills.
When the pills are used correctly – meaning that no pills have been missed, pills are restarted on time (after the non-hormonal pills/or no-pill week), and a backup method is used when necessary – the pill can be 93% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where hormonal pills are taken continuously, without a seven-day break, the pill can achieve 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

How are the combined oral pills different from the progestin-only pills?

Unlike the progestin-only pills which contain 1 synthetic hormone(progestin), the combined pills have 2 synthetic hormones(estrogen and progestin).
The combined pill can be found under different brands and comes in a pack of 21 or 28 pills. A typical monthly combination 28-pill pack contains three weeks of hormone-based pills and a week of hormone-free pills, although there are some with a shorter duration without hormones (24 days with/4 days without). You will notice that the last pills are a different color. This is because these pills do not contain hormones. You will take the hormone-free pills while you wait for your period each month. You will find an instruction leaflet inside the package whenever you buy a packet of pills. Always read the instructions carefully and make sure that you understand what you need to do in case you miss a pill or experience nausea [1].
Some pills give you a regular period every month, others allow you to have your period once every three months, and some let you skip your period for an entire year. You can also choose to skip periods by taking only hormone-containing pills of almost any brand. Since there are many different types of pills available on the market, and finding the right fit can be a bit confusing, a healthcare provider or trained community health worker can help you figure this out [2].

What do the combined pills look like?

Contraception Quiz

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External Condom

Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

Are you wondering if condoms are better than daily pills? Or if you should opt for a birth control implant? We're here to assist you in making this decision. You can select up to 5 contraceptive methods and compare them side by side to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Give a try to our Contraceptive Tool

In the example below, you'll find similar methods to the one you're currently reading about. Feel free to click on any that catch your interest or revisit our Contraceptive Methods page

Birth Control Ring

Hormonal

What is it?
The vaginal ring is a small, bendable ring that is inserted into the vagina as a form of contraception.
Effectiveness
  • It's 93-99% effective.
  • Pros
    • It can result in regular, less painful, and lighter periods.
    • It has a lower dose of hormones compared to other hormonal contraceptive methods.
    • It doesn’t delay the ability to get pregnant after stopping use.
    Cons
    • It requires regular upkeep as you have to replace it on time, once a month.
    • It doesn’t offer long-lasting protection and is only effective with regular use. It’s worn for three weeks, followed by a week with no ring in place.
    • The most common side effect is irregular bleeding for the first few months and then lighter and more regular bleeding may occur.
    • Other side effects include headaches, nausea, stomach bloating, sore breasts, weight changes, and vaginitis.
    Contraceptive Patch

    Hormonal

    The patch is a thin, square 5cm Band-Aid-like item containing progestin and estrogen hormones. It's stuck onto the body to prevent pregnancy.
  • It's 93- 99% effective.
    • It can result in more regular, lighter, and less painful periods.
    • It remains effective even when you vomit or have diarrhea.
    • It doesn’t delay the ability to get pregnant after stopping use.
    • It’s not easy to hide as it can be seen on your body.
    • It requires regular upkeep. A new patch is applied each week for three weeks, followed by a week with no patch.”
    • It doesn’t provide long-lasting protection, and it’s only effective when used properly within each monthly cycle.
    • The most common side effect is irregular bleeding for the first few months, and then lighter and more regular bleeding may occur.
    • Other side effects are potential skin irritation, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and vaginitis. Side effects are not harmful and will usually ease up after a few months.
    Progestin-Only Contraceptive Pill

    Hormonal

    The progestin-only contraceptive pill is a small single-hormone tablet taken to prevent pregnancy.
  • It's 99% effective for breastfeeding women.
  • It's 93% effective for non-breastfeeding women.
    • It has low doses of hormones (progestin only).
    • It can be used by women who smoke and are above 35 years old.
    • It relieves PMS symptoms and period cramps.
    • The most common side effect is a change in bleeding patterns (irregular, prolonged, or no bleeding at all).
    • Other side effects include headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, sore breasts, mood changes, and nausea.
    • The side effects are not harmful but may be uncomfortable.
    Emergency Contraceptive Pills (Morning After Pill)

    Hormonal

    The emergency contraceptive pill is taken to prevent pregnancy after unsafe sex.
  • It's 99% effective.
    • It’s safe for all women, including those who cannot use a regular hormonal contraceptive method.
    • It doesn’t require a prescription or medical consultation to access it.
    • It doesn’t delay a return to fertility.
    • It’s not easy to hide. It may be found in your bag.
    • It doesn’t provide long-term protection. It offers one-time protection and is only effective when taken within five days of having unprotected sex.
    • It may cause nausea and vomiting, slightly irregular vaginal bleeding, and fatigue. The side effects are not harmful.
    • It’s not recommended for use as a regular contraceptive.
    Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

    Hormonal

    The combined oral contraceptive pill is a small tablet with a daily dose of combined hormones, packaged for each month, to prevent pregnancy.
  • It is 93% - 99% effective.
    • It’s easily available (no prescription needed).
    • It gives you control over when to have a period.
    • It can reduce ovulation pains, premenstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
    • It offers long-lasting protection, but it’s only effective with regular daily use.
    • It’s difficult to hide and may be found by an uncooperative partner!
    • The most common side effect is a change in bleeding patterns (spotting between periods, lighter bleeding, or no bleeding at all). Some women experience mild headaches, weight changes, and upset stomachs.
    • The side effects are not harmful and disappear after a few months.

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