The combined pill is the more commonly used amongst teenage girls and it is commonly referred to as ‘the pill’. It contains 2 hormones, estrogen and progestogen. The pill has a 99% effectiveness.

There are 3 main types of pill and many different brands, you should discuss with your doctor which would be best for you.

About the pill

• You can be given the combined pill by a sexual health clinic or your local doctors.
• The pill is not suitable for everyone.
• The pill works by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg.
• It also thickens the mucus from your cervix and thins the lining of the womb.

Advantages

• It does not interrupt you doing sex
• Can make your periods lighter and less painful
• Can help reduce acne

Dis-advantages

• Temp side-effects can include: headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings
• It can increase your blood pressure
• You are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding is common

There are also some serious risks that should be discussed beforehand, these include: blood clots, venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, increase in risk of cervical cancer.