The combination pill, or simply, the pill, is an oral contraceptive that contains synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone (known as progestin when in synthetic form.) This is the ‘classic’ version of the pill that comes in packs containing 21. A seven day break must be taken when the packet is finished. The seven day period that you are not taking the pill with active hormones in it causes you to get your period. The pill is taken every day.
 
The combination pill works in several ways to prevent pregnancy. First, it causes your body to stop releasing eggs. It also thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of your uterus. All of these make it harder to fall pregnant. The pill is 99.7 to 99.9 percent effective when it’s taken correctly but skipping a pill or start a new cycle late causes the chances of getting pregnant to become much higher.
 
It has been shown that the combination pill can interfere with breastfeeding by reducing the quality and quantity of breast milk, so it’s advised that new mums don’t start using this form of birth control until at least six months after their babies are born.
 
One of the benefits of the pill is that if you decide to get pregnant again you simply stop taking the pill and you should be fertile within the first month after that. Other health benefits that the pill has been shown to provide are regular and less painful periods, a reduction in the likelihood of ovarian and endometrium cancer, less risk of benign breast cysts, improved skin, better bone density and a reduced risk of ectopic pregnancy. Some women have also found that the combination pill reduces the symptoms that occur when they are nearing menopause.
 
When it comes to side effects some women report bleeding between periods, nausea, tender breasts, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, and changes to mood and libido. Cloasma, a skin condition that presents as darkened patches on the skin, usually on the face, is another possible side effect of the pill.
 
There are several different brands of the combination pill on the market, all of which may have different side effects so it’s worth trying more than one if you find that you have trouble with a particular brand.
 
Aside from trouble breastfeeding during the initial six months after birth you will also have to wait three to four weeks after your baby is born before you can start taking the pill. This is because the oestrogen in the pill makes your risk of clotting higher. For the first seven days that you are taking the pill you will need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, and if you skip a pill or start a new pack late, you should also use a backup contraception method for the first seven days after you resume taking them. Your doctor or health care giver should give you instructions on exactly how and when to take your pills and be sure to read the instructions on the pack.
 
There are several types of drugs and even herbal remedies that can affect how your pill works, including St Johns Wort and certain antibiotics. So if you need to take medication while on the pill, or are already on a prescription or another drug, make sure you mention it to your doctor when getting the pill.
 
You should also be aware that you may have very light, or even no bleeding when you get your period while taking the pill. If this happens for one month, continue as before but if it occurs for a second month there’s a chance that you might be pregnant, and you should get tested.
 
When it comes to serious health risks and the pill, there are a few you need to bear in mind. The first is clotting and you’re three to four times more likely to experience this when on the pill. If you’re a smoker then being on the pill also gives you a much higher chance of heart attack, however, this is usually the case with women over 35 who have other existing risk factors like obesity or high blood pressure. There is also evidence that taking the pill may lead to a slightly higher chance of breast cancer as well as cervical cancer. Women who take the pill are also slightly more susceptible to certain liver diseases, HIV, and Chlamydia.
 
The pill offers benefits as well as risks and it’s best to speak to your doctor before you start taking the pill so as to rule out any potential problems.

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