Contraceptive Pill Review

Section

Long Acting Reversible methods of contraception, such as the Mirena and implant, are better at preventing pregnancy. Would you be interested in these methods?
You can find more information by visiting: www.patient.info/long-acting-reversible-contraceptives-larc

Benefits and Risks of Contraception

Combined Contraceptive Pills (Rigevidon, Gedarel, Millinette, Loestrin, Lucette, Microgynon, Cilest, Lizinna, Brevinor, Norimin)

The combined contraceptive pill has many benefits, including reducing your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon and can help reduce heavy bleeding, acne and PMS symptoms.

However, there are some risks:

  • Your risk of blood clots in the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and lungs (Pulmonary Embolism) is slightly increased. Your doctor or nurse will check if you have certain risk factors before prescribing the pill.
  • There is 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.

Progesterone Only Pills (Desogestrel, Cerelle, Cerazette, Micronor, Noriday, Norgeston)

The progestogen-only pill is very safe, but there are certain risks:

Ovarian cysts

Some patients can develop fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These aren’t dangerous and don’t usually need to be removed. The cysts usually disappear without treatment. In many cases, the cysts don’t cause symptoms, although some patients experience pelvic pain.

Breast cancer

Research is continuing into the link between breast cancer and the progestogen-only pill. There isn’t enough evidence to say for certain that the progestogen-only pill doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer. But if there is any increased risk, it’s likely to be very small and disappear with time after you stop taking the progestogen-only pill. Doctors don’t think using the progestogen-only pill is likely to increase the risk in patients who have close relatives who have had breast cancer.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections

The contraceptive pill does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

www.icash.nhs.uk can provide information on different types of infections and how to get checked.

Cervical Screening

It is important for your health that you keep up to date with your cervical screening. For more information, please visit: www.nhs.uk/cervical-screening

Please select from the following:

Your Health and Contraceptive Review Questions

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?
Do you ever forget to take your pill?
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 by visiting: www.nhs.uk/pill-sick-vomit-diarrhoea

Are you regularly using medication that is not prescribed, such as St John’s Wort?
Do you suffer from severe headaches or migraines?

Please make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss your headaches if you have not already done so.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
Has an immediate relative (parent, full brother, full sister or child) been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
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 regularly check your breasts?

Please ask reception for our information regarding the importance of regular breast self-examination.

Are you experiencing any irregular bleeding?

Please book an appointment to see the practice nurse

Are you currently breastfeeding?

Please Provide the Following Information

In Metres
In KG
Smoking Status:
Would you like help to quit smoking?
Do you drink alcohol?
How many of each of the following do you consume in an average week?

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.