Combined Contraceptive Pill

The Combined Contraceptive Pill is the pill primarily used to prevent unwanted pregnancy; it is a highly used method of contraception by women around the world. It is made up of two different hormones- Oestrogen and Progestogen.

Types of Combined Contraceptive Pill

There are 4 types of Combined Contraceptive Pill available.
Standard oestrogen 21 days
These pills contain standard strength of oestrogen usually 30-35 milligrams along with progestogen. Each pack is made up of 21 pills. Only after the doctor prescribes these pills are supposed to be taken every day, for 21 days then there will be a break of 7 days and once again a new pack can be started.
The pack might contain pills which are of same colour or of different colour, same colour pill contain the same amount of hormones known as mono-phasic pills, different colour pills known as biphasic or tri-phasic might contain different amount of hormones for different sage of ovulation cycle.
Standard Oestrogen Everyday pill
This type contains standard dose of oestrogen of 30-35 micrograms along with progestogen, the pack is very unique made up of 21 pills which are active containing hormones and the other 7 are dummy usually containing iron. The 21 pills are taken regularly and instead of a break of 7 days, the dummy pills are taken, the dummy pills are larger than active pills and are usually white in colour.
Low oestrogen 21 day pills
This type contains 20 microgram of oestrogen along with progestogen. The pill is taken for 21 days with a 7 day break.
Dianette
It is known as co-cyprindiol, this pill is the latest development used for women who are looking for treatment for acne, unwanted hair growth along with contraception.

Mode of action

The two hormones work together in order to prevent conception.
They prevent release of egg and increases the mucus plug at the opening of the womb this prevents sperms entering the womb, and finally the lining of the womb is so thin that even if there is a conception it will be harder to have an implantation in the womb.
The Combined Contraceptive Pill is considered to be very effective method of contraception even when used alone.
Dosage
The Combined Contraceptive Pill can be stated once you consult the doctor; it is usually started on the first day of the menstrual period. This method ensures protection from pregnancy from the start itself, however it might also be taken any day in the cycle of menstrual cycle but the protection will not be straight away and an additional method is needed for at least 7 days of Combined Contraceptive Pill.
The Combined Contraceptive Pill can be taken back to back only after ii has been discussed with doctor, this is done usually to postpone the bleeding however it is risky and should always be done only after approval of doctor.
The pills are taken for 21 days straight and 7 days will be free, when the breakthrough bleeding occurs.

Side effects

The Combined Contraceptive Pill is well tolerated however some of the side effects include

• Breast tenderness
• Stomach upset
• Weight gain
• Headache, migraine
• Fluid retention
• Temporary infertility even after stopping Combined Contraceptive Pill.