Not everyone can use the pill. Your GP or clinician will be able to advise you according to your medical records. Some conditions that may mean you should not use the pill can be certain medicines, overweight, breastfeeding, some illness, among others.

• It’s often used as treatment for painful, irregular and heavy periods.
• It reduces the risk of cancer of the ovary, uterus and colon.
• Also in some cases it improves acne problems and may reduce menopausal symptoms in some women.
• It may reduce the risk of fibrosis, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease.
• Unlike the birth control Patch, the pill does not have any influence on metabolism.

• It may temporary have side effects at first such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes.
• It doesn’t protect against Sexually Transmitted Infection (STD’s) so the use of condoms is always recommended simultaneously.
• You might need emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex and you have missed two or more pills.

Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK through the NHS. Talk to your GP or practice nurse for more information. When you first start the pill you will usually be given three months’ supply to see if it suits you, after that it can be extended to a year’s supply.

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