The Pill

What is the pill:

The oral contraceptive pill may contain either one or two hormones. The combined pill contains two hormones: oestrogen and progestogen. The mini pill contains one hormone: progestogen. Both the combined pill and the mini pill require a prescription from your doctor.

How long does the pill last?

The combined pill is taken every day, at roughly the same time, for 3 weeks followed by a week-long break during which you will experience a bleed similar to or lighter than a normal period. It is not reliable if taken more than 12 hours late. The mini pill is also taken every day but is not reliable if taken more than 3 hours late.

How the pill works

The combined pill prevents pregnancy by several mechanisms: preventing the egg from leaving the ovary, changing the cervical mucus to restrict sperm movement and changing the lining of the uterus to make it less suitable for implantation. The mini pill prevents pregnancy by changing the cervical mucus to restrict sperm movement and changing the lining of the uterus.

Both the combined pill and the mini pill are highly effective when taken correctly but their effectiveness is reduced when taken incorrectly.

Other considerations

There are different types of combined pills, so it may be necessary to try one or two different types to find the one that suits you.

Return of pre-existing fertility usually occurs within the first cycle after ceasing to take the pill. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have about the contraceptive pill.

The information provided on this website about medicines is taken from the relevant Product Information/Consumer Medicine Information leaflets. Please see your doctor or pharmacist for more information on individual options.

New! Contraception conversation starters!

Contraception use

Almost a quarter of women surveyed about contraception and choice admit they have never considered changing from the contraceptive method they are currently using.

Contraception use

1 in 10 women say they are too uncomfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.

Unplanned pregnancy

A Marie Stopes International survey revealed that an unplanned pregnancy was a reality for over half of the 2,003 Australian women surveyed.

Unplanned pregnancy

60% of these women were using contraception at the time they fell pregnant.

Unplanned pregnancy

The chances of a woman becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex increases from almost nothing on day one of her period to 25% on the day prior to ovulation.

Talking to your GP

Research shows that 3 out of 10 Australian women have never visited their doctor specifically to talk about contraception or to have a contraception check-up.

Talking to your GP

49% of all women said that their doctor had never asked about their contraception during a check up.

Talking to your GP

7 out of 10 women said that their doctor had never encouraged them to consider alternative forms of contraception.

References
Safer sex and contraception fast facts – Family planning Victoria. Available at www.fpv.org.au. [Accessed December 2010].
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

References
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

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