Combined Contraceptive Pill, General Contraception

Typically, a pill is taken every day for 21days with a seven day break, during which time you normally get a period like bleed. Some pill types vary in how many pills you must take in a given cycle - e.g. you may take the pill for longer and have a shorter pill free period.
The hormones stop ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries), thicken the mucus at the entrance to the womb preventing sperm getting through and thin the lining of your womb preventing implantation of a fertilised egg.

Very effective. If taken perfectly the pill is >99% effective – only 3 in 1000 women will become pregnant each year. However, pill users often don’t take it correctly (e.g miss pills) or consistently and such typical use means more women willbecome pregnant (9 in 100).
Its effect on fertility is rapidly reversible.
Periods will usually become more regular, lighter and less painful.
Pre-menstrual tension and acne may improve. It may also help reduce menopausal symptoms
Can protect against fibroids and ovarian cysts.
May reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary, uterus and colon.

No protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - condoms advised.
It is easy to forget to take the pills every day. If you forget to do so it may stop working.
Small increased risk of heart or stroke disease, blood clots in the legs/lungs, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Can cause temporary side-effects such as headaches, mood change, breast tenderness, sickness and bleeding in between periods. These may wear off with time or by switching to a different pill.
Needs a regular prescription from a health care provider.
Its effectiveness can be reduced if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
Women with some medical conditions or taking certain medication are not advised to use it e.g. very overweight; smokers aged 35 or older.