Not everyone can use the combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill). You will need to talk to your doctor or nurse about your medical history.
When to avoid it
You should not take the pill if you:
- are pregnant
- smoke and are 35 or older
- stopped smoking less than a year ago and are 35 or older
- are very overweight
- take certain medicines (ask your GP about this)
You should also not take the pill if you have (or have had):
- thrombosis (a blood clot)
- a heart abnormality or heart disease, including high blood pressure
- severe migraines, especially with aura
- breast cancer
- disease of the gallbladder or liver
- diabetes with complications or diabetes for the last 20 years
If there are no medical reasons why you cannot take the pill and you do not smoke, you can take the pill until your menopause.
Advantages
Some advantages of the pill include:
- It does not interrupt sex.
- It usually makes your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful.
- It reduces your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon.
- It can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- It can sometimes reduce acne.
- It may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease.
- It may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease.
Disadvantages
Some disadvantages of the pill include:
- It can cause temporary side effects at first, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings. If these do not go after a few months, it may help to change to a different pill.
- It can increase your blood pressure.
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
- Breakthrough bleeding and spotting is common in the first few months of using the pill.
- It has been linked to an increased risk of some serious health conditions such as thrombosis (blood clots) and breast cancer. See Combined contraceptive pill - risks for more information.
