Combined Contraceptive Pill

Use this form if you are taking a combined contraceptive pill or would like to start taking one. These pills include two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

Visit NHS: Combined Contraceptive Pill for more information about the pill and other forms of contraception.

Combined Contraceptive Pill

Section

Pill Review

How the combined pill works

The pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also

  • Thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it is harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and reach an egg.
  • Thins the lining of the womb, so there is less chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb and being able to grow.

The pill is over 99% effective if used correctly.

Long Acting Reversible methods of contraception, such as the Mirena and implant, are better at preventing pregnancy. Would you be interested in these methods? We can fit these in the surgery, or you can go to iCash in Norwich: *
Are you using the combined pill now? *

Women wanting to start the pill

Why do you want to take the pill? Select all that apply:
Have you given birth in the last 6 months? *
Are you breastfeeding? *

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Benefits and risks of taking the pill

The combined contraceptive pill has many benefits, including reducing your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon.

However, there are some risks from the pill:

  • a small increase in your risk of blood clots in the legs and the lungs (Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism)
  • a very small increase in your risk of heart attacks and stroke
  • a slight increase in your risk of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer. However, 10 years after you stop taking the pill, your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer goes back to normal.
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Sexually-transmitted infections

The pill does not protect against sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

You should get checked for sexually-transmitted infections through iCash if you have not been checked since the start of your most recent relationship.

Your health

Have you been diagnosed with any new medical conditions since your last pill check? *
Have you started any new medication since your last pill check? *
Are you sure that you take your contraceptive pill correctly? *
Are you regularly using medication that is not prescribed, such as St John's Wort? *
Do you suffer from severe headaches or migraines? *
Have you ever been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)? *
Please specify: *
Has an immediate relative (parent, full brother, full sister or child) been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
Please specify: *
Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition that makes your blood more likely to clot? *
Do you have a diagnosis of High Blood Pressure? *
Have you been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure during pregnancy? *
Do you know what to do if you miss a pill, or if you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea after taking your pill? You can find advice on the NHS website. *

We advise that you contact SmokeFree Norfolk for help quitting.

In Metres
In KG

Different ways to take the Pill

There are several regimes for taking the pill. Which do you use?

Visit Oxford Health: Different way to take the combined pill for more information about these regimes.

Different ways to take the Pill

There are several regimes for taking the pill. Do you know which regime you would like to use?

Visit Oxford Health: Different way to take the combined pill for more information about these regimes.

Blood Pressure

We need to know your blood pressure to ensure your method of contraception is still safe.

If you have access to a suitable machine, please specify and give a reading below. Otherwise, we will review your information above, and get back to you to arrange a blood pressure check.

Can you give a blood pressure reading?

Please use this date format: DD/MM/YYYY.
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Advice

People taking the pill should avoid long periods of immobility during travel, to reduce their risk of blood clots. People trekking to high altitudes (above 4500m) for more than 1 weeks should consider switching to another contraceptive method.

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You should complete a pill check every year using this form.

If you develop new headache symptoms, a change in your vaginal bleeding pattern, or are diagnosed with any new medical conditions before your next pill check, you should let us know so that we can review the suitability of your contraceptive.

What happens next?