Choice of which oral contraceptive you should use will depend on your health and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to have a consultation with your doctor or nurse to decide which treatment would be more suitable for you.
Advantages of taking the combined pill
- Due to the 7-day pill break, it maintains a regular period pattern in most women
- It usually helps to make your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful
- It can help with secondary conditions such as acne and irregular periods
- It can also help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- It may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease
- It may reduce the risk of ovarian cysts, fibroids and non-cancerous breast disease
However, the combined pill may not be suitable for women who suffer from certain conditions, some of which include migraines, cardiovascular disease, blood clots and obesity. This medication should also not be used by individuals who are over the age of 35 and smoke.
Advantages of taking the progesterone only pill:
- May be more suitable for patients who prefer taking a pill everyday
- May be used for patients who cannot take oestrogen (hormone found in the combined pill and other contraceptives such as vaginal rings and contraceptive patches)
- There is no age restriction in who can take this medication
- May be used in patients who smoke or are breastfeeding
Again, the progesterone only pill may not be suitable for all patients and therefore it is important to consultation your doctor or nurse before starting treatment with any oral contraceptive pill to ensure the most suitable medication is prescribed for you.
