The contraceptive pill is very common today. It’s an effective form of pregnancy prevention but a lot of people don’t know very much about it. If you’ve ever wondered about the pill, what it does and how exactly it does that then worry no more. We’ve put together a detailed fact sheet on almost everything you could ever possibly want to know on the contraceptive pill.
Protection
The contraceptive pill is the most reliable way to avoid pregnancy during intercourse. It’s over 99% effective but please remember it doesn’t protect you from STD’s at all. A condom is recommended as well as the pill if you don’t know the person you’re sleeping with very well, or even on some occasions if you do!
Brands
There are a broad variety of contraceptive pills on offer and these vary wherever you happen to be in the world. It’s important that you take the right pill for you and as such you need to discuss your needs with your doctor or health professional.
Dosage
Most contraceptive pills need to be taken for 21 days out of the month, with a week missed to allow for proper menstruation. Newer pills can be taken all month-long, it depends on which pill you’re taking and the instructions you’re given for them.
Missed Pill
As long as you take your next pill within 12 hours of the missed one the efficiency of the pill is unaffected. If you’re more than 12 hours late, bleeding may occur and you may lose protection. Consult a doctor if you’re concerned.
Lighter Periods
You should expect lighter periods while you’re using the pill. This is because the pill thins the lining of the womb which is the cause of the bleeding during menstruation. It’s nothing to be concerned about.
