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Starting a contraceptive pill: a big moment in a woman’s life!

Contraceptive pill may reduce the risk of uterine cancer
Posted by Dr Mortons 1 Comment

Written by Dr Karen Morton

Dr Karen Morton on contraceptive pills

Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician and founder of Dr Morton’s – the medical helpline


The availability of contraceptive tablets fuelled the sexual revolution and liberation of women during the Swinging 60s. Oral contraception was developed initially in the late 50s in the USA and first launched in the UK in 1961: but for married women only. It is amazing to imagine Enoch Powell, the then Health Minister, expressing qualms about its morality. Fortunately that nonsense only lasted until 1967 when was it became freely available to all; interestingly, in the same year that the late David Steel MP drove the Abortion Act through Parliament and into statute.

Now the Pill is free to all, and in the UK it is taken by millions of women with 99% reliability as a contraceptive. Of course many women start it before they become sexually active because they have irregular or heavy and painful periods. The gynaecologist or the GP could give tablets in a bottle but it is simply so much more convenient to have medication in a ‘Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday punch out pack’.

Many girls start it to improve their skin too.

There is a bewildering number of Pills to choose from and each one will have a benefit and a downside. It is important to take expert advice when you are getting started. The sort of things which will influence the decision will be other medical back ground such as migraine or raised blood pressure, or a family history of blood clotting problems.

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Most Pills prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from making eggs. They also have an effect on the mucus in the cervix. Ovulation (egg production) makes the cervical mucus very fluid like egg-white. This makes it easier for the sperm to swim through. It is much harder work if the mucus is thick and sticky.

The majority of contraceptive pills have recently done what is called ‘Come off-license’ which means that other companies can manufacture exactly the same Pill but market it cheaper under another name. That’s why many of you will have been changed from Microgynon to Rigevidon, or from Cerezette to Cerelle. They are identical and you don’t need to be worried about it.

The Pill may not be the right contraception for you. You have to remember to take it for a start! You mustn’t leave it at home when you go on holiday and you can’t sleep until mid-afternoon, go clubbing until dawn, and still expect the Progesterone only Pill which you usually take in the evening to work. It requires some consistency. So an implant or a coil may be best for you. And don’t forget about protecting yourself against nasty STIs with a condom as well.

So give us a call or send us an email and let’s make sure that you get the best (and the cheapest) Pill to suit your needs, or indeed advice to think about something else.

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One Response

  • Mia says:
    August 23, 2017 at 1:45 PM

    I found this service very useful when I couldn’t find the right Pill for me. I had break through bleeding for ages but finally got it right! Thanks!

    Reply

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