Contraception

What are the benefits of hormonal contraception?

Hormonal contraception is regarded as one of the most reliable and successful ways of preventing pregnancy. If used correctly, many treatments have proven to be more than 99% effective. Whether it’s taking a pill daily for 21 days or wearing a patch and changing it once a week, these contraceptives provide a convenient solution so that you can enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy.

Another benefit is the vast amount of hormonal contraceptives, with over 30 different types of combined pill and a wide range of mini pills available in the UK. This means you will have a better chance of finding the perfect contraceptive solution for you, with the lowest risk of side effects. Many contraceptive pills carry additional benefits and can be used to treat other problems, such as:

• Acne
• Painful periods
• Heavy periods
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Endometriosis

How does hormonal contraception work?

Most hormonal contraceptives use a combination of two different hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation; the maturation and release of an egg from the ovaries. They also work by affecting the cervical mucous, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb, and by altering the lining of the womb, making it less receptive to an embryo.

What types of hormonal contraceptives are there and how do I take them?

The combined pill, also known as ‘the pill’, is the most popular form of birth control in the UK, containing both versions of hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. It has been proven to be almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as well as helping to regulate and lighten periods. Generally, the pill should be taken once daily for 21 days followed by a seven-day break

There are 15 different combined pills available at HealthExpress, including Microgynon, Cilest, Yasmin and Dianette.

The mini pill, otherwise known as the progestogen-only pill (POP) is a variation of the ordinary pill, which contains only one hormone, oestrogen. It is therefore slightly less effective for some women, but is also likely to cause fewer side effects. Because of this, the mini pill has grown in popularity recently, particular amongst women who are over 35 years of age, smoke, or who are breastfeeding. You should take one pill daily for 28 days with no break between packs.

Examples of the mini pill include Cerazette and Noriday.

The patch is applied to a hairless part of your body such as the upper torso, upper arm, buttocks or abdomen, and only requires to be changed weekly. This process is repeated for three weeks. After this, you will have a seven-day break, in which you will stay fully protected. The patch has proven to be an effective alternative for women who find it hard to keep up with the scheduling required of the contraceptive pill. The only contraceptive patch available at HealthExpress is Evra, which has been clinically proven to be safe as well as effective.

The ring is a small flexible device that is inserted discreetly into the vagina and doesn’t need to be removed for 21 days. After 21 days, you remove the ring for a seven-day break, where you are likely to experience a withdrawal bleed. After the seven-day break is over, a new ring is inserted. Thousands of British women have found the only available vaginal ring, Nuvaring, to be a convenient alternative solution for contraception

Are there any side effects?

Many women have concerns regarding oral contraception because of the potential side effects. It's true that women starting the contraceptive pill for the first time can experience side effects. However, these are relatively minor and pass fairly quickly. Initial side effects you can experience include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Slight weight gain
• Slight 'spotting' of blood between periods
• Changes in your mood

Picking the right contraceptive is paramount in reducing any potential side effects. You may need to try more than one before you find a pill that works well for you. Anyone with any of the following health problems may be restricted as to which type of contraception they can use:

• Smoking addiction
• Being overweight
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history of thrombosis
• High cholesterol levels
• Vein inflammation, such as phlebitis
• Immobility

How do I buy daily contraception online?

HealthExpress provides a free, no obligation consultation service, so that you can buy contraceptives securely online. Your consultation form will be examined by one of our doctors, so that you can get the right medical advice without the inconvenience or potential embarrassment of making a face-to-face appointment with your doctor. Once the consultation has been reviewed, you will be able to make an informed choice from a selection of suitable contraceptives.

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