Combined Oral Pill
If you are looking for a reliable and effective birth control method, the combined oral contraceptive pill is an option worth considering.
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At The Centre for Health, we offer combined oral pill consultation services in London and the UK to help you make an informed decision about your sexual health.
Information
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The combined oral contraceptive pill, also known as “the pill,” is a popular birth control method that contains two hormones: progesterone and estrogen. This combined method is over 99% effective and works by stopping your body from producing an egg. The pill also thickens the mucous of your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching your womb and thins the lining of your womb to make it difficult for fertilized eggs to implant.
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The combined oral pill is a pill that is swallowed daily. It is important to take the pill at the same time every day to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain
- May relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
- Can reduce the risk of endometriosis recurrence after surgery
- Can improve acne, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Associated with a reduction in the risk of endometrial, colorectal, and ovarian cancers
As with any medication, the combined oral pill has its side effects, benefits, and risks. Here are some of the things you should know:
Benefits
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Risks
- Increased risk of venous thromboembolism
- Trigger the chance of heart attack and stroke
- Increased chance of breast cancer
- Increased chance of cervical cancer
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Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Mood changes
- Decreased libido
- Breast tenderness
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Contraindications
- The combined oral pill may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some factors that may make you unsuitable for the combined oral contraceptive pill:
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Medication Interactions
- Taking a medication that interacts with the contraceptive patch
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Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding and the baby is less than 6 weeks old
- Not breastfeeding and the baby is less than 3 weeks old
- Not breastfeeding, the baby is less than 6 weeks old, and you have other risk factors
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Age and Smoking
- Over 35 years old and you smoke or have stopped smoking in the last year
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Weight and Mobility
- Significantly overweight
- Immobility
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Medical History
- Had a complicated organ transplant
- High blood pressure or venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- First-degree relative under the age of 45 has had a VTE
- A thrombogenic mutation
- Complicated valvular or congenital heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy with impaired cardiac function
- Atrial fibrillation
- Migraine
- Had breast cancer, you have the breast cancer gene or an undiagnosed breast lump
- Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, or other vascular diseases
- Current or medically treated gallbladder disease
- A combined contraceptive method associated with cholestasis
- Hepatitis
- Severe cirrhosis
- Certain liver tumors
- Positive antiphospholipid antibodies
It is important to note that these contraindications are not exhaustive, and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
The combined oral pill is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break, during which time you will have a breakthrough bleed. This cycle is then repeated. It is essential to take the pill at the same time every day to ensure its effectiveness. If you miss a pill or take it late, it may decrease the contraceptive effect, and you may need additional contraception.
At the Centre for Health, we offer a telephone consultation for £100 to discuss the suitability of the combined oral pill for you. The cost of the prescription may vary depending on the type of pill prescribed. It is also important to note that a recent blood pressure, height, and weight measurement is needed before starting the combined oral pill.