- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Oestrogen and Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
The oestrogen and progesterone contraceptive pill is the most commonly used form of oral contraception in the United Kingdom, and indeed most other countries around the world. It is considered extremely effective when taken properly, as it entirely prevents ovulation. It is called the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill as it combines the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, but it is more commonly referred to simply as ‘the pill’.
There are number of COC pills that can be taken depending on what the user wants to get from the medication. The standard form of the oestrogen and progesterone contraceptive pill lasts for a course of 21 days followed by a break lasting 7 days. Around 30 micrograms of oestrogen is used, which is the standard amount of the hormone to be used in the pill. Another similar form of the COC pill is the 28-day pill. These pills have a similar strength of oestrogen, and contain 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills. The active pills contain oestrogen and progesterone, and the 7 pills do nothing but help maintain the habit of taking pills daily to ensure the regularity is not disturbed. There are two other forms of the COC pill, one that has a lower level of oestrogen for women who are more at risk of developing blood clots, and one called a dianette that is used for women who are suffering from acne and abnormal hair growth.
The COC pill works by preventing ovulation, which is the process of releasing an egg every month. The pill also causes thickening of the mucus at the entrance to the uterus, which is useful for preventing sperm entering the uterus. The lining of the uterus is also decreased to make it more difficult for fertilised eggs to develop.
There are many symptoms that are commonly associated with taking oestrogen and progesterone contraceptive pills. It is important to consult your local GP or gynaecologist before using this medication, as they can provide an exhaustive list of possible side effects. There are also a number of conditions that mean that a woman would be advised not to take the COC pill, such as pregnant women, women who have gone through major surgery recently, or women who are breast-feeding. A specialist can determine whether a woman is a suitable candidate for this form of oral contraceptive, and give advice on how and when to take the pills.