Combined Pill

The combined pill works by preventing the release of an egg during your monthly cycle. It also makes it harder for sperm to reach the womb by thickening the mucus in the cervix. In addition to contraception, many people use it to help regulate periods and reduce menstrual symptoms.

You can usually take the combined pill for many years as long as you don’t develop health risks that make it unsuitable. Regular reviews with your healthcare provider are important to ensure it remains safe for you. Some people use it continuously from their teens into their 40s until menopause approaches.

Some people notice lighter or even missed withdrawal bleeds while taking the pill, especially if they use it continuously without breaks. This is completely normal and safe, as the bleeding on the pill is not the same as a natural period. The pill gives you flexibility in how and when you experience bleeding.

Yes, the combined pill primarily works by stopping ovulation, meaning your ovaries do not release an egg each month. This is the most effective way it prevents pregnancy. The added effects of thickening cervical mucus and thinning the womb lining provide extra protection.

For most healthy women, the combined pill is considered very safe and effective. However, certain conditions such as smoking over the age of 35, a history of blood clots, or uncontrolled high blood pressure can make it unsuitable. Regular health checks help ensure ongoing safety.

Some people may experience mild side effects when starting the combined pill, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, or mood changes. These symptoms often improve within the first few months. There are rare but serious risks such as blood clots and high blood pressure, which is why monitoring is important.

When you stop taking the combined pill, your natural cycle will usually return within a few weeks to months. Some people may notice temporary changes like irregular cycles or heavier periods as their body readjusts. Fertility generally returns to normal quickly, so you could get pregnant soon after stopping.

The combined pill is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. It can also make periods lighter, less painful, and more regular, and may help with acne. Many people like the flexibility it provides in controlling their cycles.

You should avoid the combined pill if you have certain health conditions, such as a history of blood clots, migraines with aura, certain cancers, or severe liver disease. Smoking over the age of 35 also makes it unsafe. A healthcare professional can help determine if it’s right for you.

The combined pill must be taken daily, which can be inconvenient for some. It may cause side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, or mood changes, and it doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are also rare but serious risks, such as blood clots and high blood pressure.

The cost of the combined pill depends on the brand and where you get it from. At online pharmacies like e-Surgery, prices are affordable and vary between products such as Gedarel, Levest, Yasmin, and others.