You Have Full Control

Condoms are the most commonly used form of contraception, but they mean you’re not in full control. When you use the contraceptive pill, you are in control. You determine when you take it and whether you run packs back to back. It also offers more control than the other forms of birth control, since you can also decide when you stop and can choose to stop mid pack.

There Are Health Risks to Understand

There is a link to blood clots, breast cancer and other health problems. However, these risks are extremely low and your doctor will continually assess whether this is the right form of birth control for you.

There are different types of pills to take that will help to lessen some of the possible health risks.

It Is 99% Effective

The birth control pill is one of the most effective forms of birth control—much safer than condoms. There is just a 1% chance that you will fall pregnant from taking the pill.

This is usually due to skipping a pill or two from a pack or due to illness during the course of them. Your doctor will tell you if any medication will cause problems with it.

It Doesn’t Protect Against STIs

Only the condoms protect against STIs. If you are not in a committed relationship, you will need to use them when having intercourse. This helps to prevent the risk of many forms of sexually transmitted diseases.

Can Be Used With Other Contraception

The pill and condoms can both be used at the same time. There are other forms of contraception that can be used with the birth control pill. Your doctor will be able to discuss all of your options so you remain safe.

Need to Remember It Every Day

The pill needs to be taken on a daily basis. It is most effective when taken at the same time every day. There is then a week break between the packs, but you can choose not to take them if you really wish.

Those who struggle to remember to take their pill will find that this is not the best option. There are options that don’t need any maintenance for months and even years!

Not Just for Pregnancy Avoidance

The birth control pill can also be used for woman who struggle with heavy, painful or irregular periods. It is also useful for those who need to manage timing for other events, like if they are going on holiday and want to avoid Aunty Flow.

There are different types of pills to suit the needs, and doctors will find the best one for particular age groups and requirements.

It Doesn’t Protect Against STIs

The contraceptive pill cannot protect you from STIs. The only two forms of protection for that are the male and female condoms.

The pill is designed to change the hormone balance so your body doesn’t release an egg each month so you cannot get pregnant.

Bloating and Water Retention Are Common Side Effects

The contraceptive pill, whichever one you take, can cause water retention and bloating. You may hear that they cause weight gain but this is not necessarily the case.

The hormones will not make you fatter or slow your metabolism. The can increase appetite though, depending on the type of pill, so you need to think about the type of foods you are eating.

There Are Different Types of Pill

You can get the combined pill and the mini pill. The mini pill is a progesterone only pill, which is excellent for those who have issues with oestrogen pills.

The combined pill can come in both oestrogen and progesterone only pill. Your doctor will be able to discuss the different types of pill with you and find the right one for your needs.

The Side Effects Do Pass

The side effects, such as mood swings and tiredness, can be a problem when you first start the pill. However, they usually pass after the first couple of weeks.

It is just the case of your body trying to get used to the new levels of hormone. If they do continue for a prolonged period of time, you can talk to your doctor about them.

The weight and bloating side effect can cycle every month as it comes to the dummy pills (those that give you your week break).

There Are Breast Cancer Risks

If you take the oestrogen combined pill, there are some risks of breast cancer. This is due to the levels of oestrogen in the body.

The good news is that these are minimal and it is unlikely to affect you unless breast cancer runs in the family. If you are a high risk patient, you may be given the progesterone only pill.

The Pill Can Actually Protect Against Some Cancer

Research has shown that the pill has helped to protect people from other forms of cancer, especially bowel cancer.

It can also decrease the risk of developing cancer in the womb, which is extremely dangerous, especially if developed during pregnancy.

It’s Not Just for Pregnancy

The pill can be taken to help ease heavy and painful periods. Many under 16 year olds are prescribed the pill or something similar to help with this.

If your daughter has painful periods, you could talk to her about this option but make sure you both talk to the doctor and have a level of trust between you.

Abstinence Is 100% Effective

The only type of contraception that is 100% effective is abstinence. This means that you avoid sexual contact completely.

It isn’t the most fun option but there are many support groups to make this happen.

You may have a religious view to save yourself for marriage or a moral view of sex without being in a committed relationship.

The Male Condom

While it is only 97% effective, it is one of two forms of contraception that protect against STIs (excluding abstinence). All the rest only protect against pregnancy.

The problem is that you cannot use it yourself; you have to get your partner to do it. Men have a tendency to shy away from condoms but here are some other options.

The Contraceptive Implant

This is a small device that is placed under the arm. It is not visible and leaves the tiniest of scars.

It is 99% effective and helps to stop the menstrual cycle, sending a hormone effectively telling the body it is pregnant.

Not all women get along with the implant and it can lead to irregular cycles. The implant has to be fitted and removed by a trained professional.

The Coil

This is placed inside the cervix and is fitted by trained professionals. You will not feel it and part of it is placed into the uterus.

It stops the sperm from getting into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There is no need to remember to take a pill every day but it is not suitable for all women.

There are some who struggle with irregular bleeds and periods can be longer and heavier, which is off-putting for many.

The Contraceptive Injection

This is administered by professionals every eight or 12 weeks, depending on the injection used.

It is a great way to avoid having to take the pill and is highly effective (more than 99% when used correctly).

It does not contain oestrogen, which is perfect for those who find that they cannot take the pill for this reason.

The Female Condom

This is the only other option that will protect against STIs. It is used by women and is placed inside the vagina before intercourse.

It works like a male condom but is not as effective (only 95%). While they are strong, they can tear. They may also slip out of place during intercourse.

The Contraceptive Pill

The pill is one of the most common forms of contraception used and is over 50 years old!

It is highly effective and there are different types available, including the progesterone only pill for those unable to handle oestrogen pills.

The problem is that you will have to remember to take a pill a day, at the same time every day.