Contraception for Teenagers contraception method | Page 11

The Combined Pill Advantages Disadvantages The combined pill is a daily pill that a woman takes to prevent ovulation. A menstrual cycle still occurs during the pill-break. It contains oestrogen and progesterone. Early variations of the pill go back thousands of years with women eating and drinking natural remedies to try and prevent pregnancy. However, it was in the 1950s that Gregory Pincus, Carl Djerassi, John Rock and others produced a chemical based oral contraceptive. These were approved by the authorities in 1961 and revolutionised the way women could prevent pregnancy. (Fpa.org.uk 2016) • The pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken every day • You will still have periods but will not ovulate • The pill is convenient and gives you control. You can stop it at any time and fertility will continue as normal • The pill is available on prescription and is easy to get from a GP. It is free. • The pill is not effective if you miss a pill or don't take them properly • The pill does not prevent against diseases • The pill can have side effects such as mood swings or weight gain • There's a risk of cancer when taking the pill however this risk is very small • The pill is not effective if you've had sickness or diarrhoea • The pill is not effective when taken with certain medications • You can't take the combined pill if you're seriously overweight or if you smoke (NHS.uk 2016)