Contraception Direct

Combined tablets: the hormones included in these tablets prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg every month (ovulation). They also thin the womb lining making it harder for an egg to attach to it. If taken correctly, there is a 99% effectiveness from this type of contraceptive.

Progestogen-only tablets: they make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg by the thickening of cervical mucus and thinning of the womb lining making it harder for the egg to attach to the lining. The effect of these tablets is shorter than the combined tablets but through taking the pill as directed, they are more than 99% effective

Don’t worry, everyone is bound to forget from time to time. The advice of what to do depends on what type of Pill you take and is detailed below. If you find you are regularly forgetting, perhaps set an alarm on your phone to remind you or keep your Pill with your toothbrush to remind you once a day.

If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember and carry on with the next pill at the right time (this may mean taking 2 pills at the same time which is fine). If the pill was more than 12 hours overdue you are not protected. (I.E you normally take your pill at 8AM but you remember at 9PM, your pill is 13 hours overdue) Continue normal pill-taking but you must also use another method, such as the condom, for the next 2 days.

If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember and carry on with the next pill at the right time (this may mean taking 2 pills at the same time which is fine). A missed pill is one that is 24 or more hours late. If you miss only one pill, you should take an active pill as soon as she remembers and then resume normal pill-taking. No additional precautions are necessary.

If you miss 2 or more pills (especially from the first 7 in a packet), you may not be protected, take an active pill as soon as you remember and then resume normal pill-taking. In addition, use

an additional method of contraception such as a condom for the next 7 days. If these 7 days run beyond the end of the packet, the next packet should be started at once, omitting the pill-free interval.

There are alternative forms of contraception that can be used that aren’t orally available meaning they don’t have to be taken daily like the tablets.
NONE OF THESE METHODS PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRASMITTED DISEASES.

Contraceptive Injection - it steadily releases progestogen into the bloodstream which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. These injections can last between 8-13 weeks depending on the type used. Sexual health clinics or GPs can administer these injections and are known to be 99% effective if they are given on time.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) - a small plastic and copper device inserted into the womb by a doctor or nurse. The copper in the device changes fluids in the womb and fallopian tubes to stop sperm surviving there. It can be fitted within 10-20 minutes and can last over 10 years depending on the type. It starts working as soon as it’s fitted and fertility returns to normal once removed.

Intrauterine System (IUS) - a small plastic device inserted into the womb by a doctor or nurse. The device slowly releases progestogen which thickens the mucus at the entrance of the womb and thins womb lining.They can be fitted in 10-20 minutes and last around 3-5 years. They have a very low failure rate and are estimated to be 99% effective.