The Pill
The Pill
AKA
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, COC, Contraceptive Pill
Efficacy
91% typical; 99.7% perfect.
Routine
Every day
STI protection
No
Pros
Easy to access, easily reversible, can assist with managing periods.
Cons
Highly user dependent, may cause side effects, requires a script.
How does The Pill work?
The combined oral contraceptive pill contains oestrogen and progestogen. The oestrogen prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. The progestogen works to thicken the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through into the uterus. Most versions of The Pill have a hormone free break on the tablet sheet, which means you get a regular period every 3 weeks. The Pill remains one of the most popular methods of contraception for Australian women, however it’s important to note that its efficacy does drop significantly when not used perfectly.
Tip: To remember to take your pill, place it somewhere that you have to go every day (e.g. next to your toothbrush) and make sure you carry a couple of spares in your wallet in case you’re caught short.
How do I use The Pill?
Step 1. The combined oral contraceptive pill comes in a huge variety of different forms. There are different brands with different types and amounts of hormone, and different styles of packaging, all of which require a script to purchase from the chemist. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss which type of Pill is best for you, and get a prescription.
Step 2. Once you have a script for the pill, make sure that you discuss with your GP or Pharmacist the correct way to take what you’ve been prescribed, as it’s important to start it at the right point in your cycle, and you’ll need to know how long to take it for before you’re protected against pregnancy.
Step 3. To avoid falling into the “typical” rate of efficacy for The Pill, you need to remember to take it every single day. For some people this means leaving it next to their coffee mug, or toothbrush. For other people this means setting an alarm to remind them. If you’re concerned that you won’t remember it every day, you may want to consider a different method of contraception.
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.