Combined pill

What is it? One of the most popular forms of contraception. It contains two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen - which prevent an egg from being released from a woman's ovary each month.

Advantages:
• May help regulate periods 
• May reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain
• Does not interfere with the spontaneity of sex 
• Normal levels of fertility will return once the pill is stopped 
• May offer some protection against cancer of the uterus and ovaries

Considerations:
• Not always suitable for women over 35 who smoke or are overweight 
• Vomiting, diarrhoea and taking antibiotics can affect reliability 
• May experience side effects such as nausea, headaches and weight gain 
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Available from: By prescription from a medical professional including your GP, local family planning clinic or specialist clinic such as Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices

Effectiveness: When used correctly it is over 99% effective