The Pill

The pill, progesterone only pill or combined pill are all oral contraceptives (drugs you swallow). They work to prevent pregnancy by changing the flow of hormones in a woman's body that control her periods.

Used properly, they can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy but they do not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

To be effective you have to remember to keep taking the pill at the right times. You only have to miss one tablet and you could get pregnant if you have unprotected sex. If you are sick (vomit) after taking your pill, have diarrhoea or take other medicines you might not be protected.

As with other drugs, the pill can have side effects – including reducing your sex drive. It might take a while trying different types of pill until you find one that suits you.

Where to get the pill

The pill isn’t suitable for everyone so you will need to see a doctor or nurse to find out if this option is for you. They will ask you some questions about your medical history and your family’s medical history, they’ll weigh you and take your blood pressure. If the pill is suitable you will usually get a prescription for three months worth and they’ll explain how you take these. If it’s not suitable the doctor or nurse will be able to talk through other options.

You can get the pill from your GP or Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) or Terrence Higgins/Brook clinic.