The pill
What is the pill?
The pill is a very popular contraceptive. It contains hormones called oestrogen and progestogen which stop a woman producing eggs. The pill also makes it hard for sperm to get to the womb and thins the lining of the womb so that eggs cannot get a hold.
There is also a pill which contains only progesterone, as some women cannot take oestrogen. The progesterone pill, often called the "mini pill" works almost identically to the combined oestrogen and progesterone pill.
What are the advantages?
- Both types of pill are about 99% effective. That means that out of 100 women using the pill, only 1 will become pregnant in a year.
- The pill doesn't get in the way when you're having sex.
- It can make your periods lighter and less painful.
- It can help protect you against cancer of your womb and your ovaries.
What are the disadvantages?
- The pill can cause headaches.
- It can cause you to put on, or lose weight.
- A few women can experience occasional nausea as a result of using the pill.
- It can make your breasts feel tender.
- The pill makes some people moody.
- It can increase your blood pressure.
- The pill will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted infections. However, if you use the pill as well as a condom you will be protected from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.
There seem to be more disadvantages than advantages!
Yes it would seem that way upon first glance. However, you should remember that the use of any drug can cause slight side effects. The pill is no exception and, because it is such a widely used drug, the side effects are well documented and well known. In most cases the side effects caused by the pill are minor and most women are prepared to put up with them.
By using the pill properly, and combining it with the use of a condom while having sex, you can feel confident that you are well protected against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This is the contraceptive method myself, and most other health professionals, would recommend you to use.
Where can I get hold of the pill?
You can get the pill from your family doctor or from Contraception and Sexual Health clinics in Fife. It will not cost you anything.