Contraceptive Pill

The contraceptive pill is one of the most commonly used types of contraceptives in Ireland. It’s a pill that contains one or two different hormones that prevent ovulation. It can also help with painful or heavy periods, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

“The pill” normally refers to the combined pill, which combines two different hormones which are lab-made versions of oestrogen and progesterone. The pill fits in with the natural menstrual cycle. Every 21 days there’s a seven-day break before you start taking the next set of pills.

Combined oral contraceptives decrease the risk of certain conditions and cancer in the reproductive system. The pill also usually leads to lighter, less painful and more regular periods, and can improve acne.

When used correctly, the pill is over 99% effective. It works because it stops ovulation, stops sperm reaching an egg and prevents a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.

Superdrug Online Doctor Ireland provides prescriptions for the following brands of the contraceptive pill:

• Azalia
• Cerazette
• Cilest
• Elvina
• Elvinette
• Leonore
• Logynon
• Mercilon
• Microlite
• Noriday
• Ovranette
• Qlaira
• Yasmin
• Yasminelle
• Yaz
• Zoely

We can also provide a prescription for Evra patches or the Nuvaring.

Similarities

Both pills work by:

• Stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation)
• Thickening the mucus in the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to reach eggs
• Thinning the lining of the womb, making it harder for a fertilised egg to implant in the womb and grow

The combined pill

• Contains lab-made versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone
• Can reduce symptoms of PMS, protect against pelvic inflammatory disease, and sometimes reduce acne
• Has a larger time window to take it without losing its effectiveness. You’ve only missed a pill if you take it more than 24 hours after you were supposed to
• Can be unsuitable for you if you take certain medicines, or if you smoke
• Some of the best-most known combined pills are: Microlite, Cilest, and Yasmin

The mini pill

• Only contains progesterone, so it’s also known as a progesterone-only pill (POP)
• Often has fewer side-effects, and works well for women over 35 who have certain risk factors, e.g. weight problems, high blood pressure, or blood clots
• Has a 3-hour window to take it, though this can go up to 12 hours if you’re taking newer pills like Cerazette
• Can also be less effective than the combined pill if it’s taken out of the generally smaller time you have to take it every day
• Some of the best-known mini pills are: Cerazette and Noriday

The most popular type of contraceptive pill is the combined pill, not only because it’s more flexible in case of forgetfulness, but also because it can help with a few other conditions such as acne.

Combined pills are put into 2 categories:

• ‘monophasic pills’ which  always have the same amount of hormones in them, or
• ’phasic pills’, which contain 2 or 3 different combinations of hormones pills (phasic).

Combined pills may also vary in how much oestrogen they have in them. Most contain 30-35 micrograms, but there are new options with 20 micrograms that work just as well as pills with a higher dose of oestrogen. If you want fewer side effects, this is an option to consider. Mercilon and Yaz are examples of low-dosage pills.

You may need to try more than one brand of pill before you find one that suits you.

To order your prescription for the contraceptive pill, you’ll need to fill out a short questionnaire about your health.

Then, after you’ve ordered and paid for your prescription, one of our doctors will review your order and approve it if it’s right for you.

If your order isn’t approved, you’ll be refunded for the full value of the consultation.

After a prescription has been filled, it will be sent either to your home or your local pharmacy, depending on which one you prefer.

This service is for repeat prescriptions only. You can use it if you have been using your current contraceptive for at least three months. For your first ever prescription you need to see your GP, who will check whether you can take a contraceptive which contains hormones.

Before you can go on the pill, you’ll need to be assessed by a doctor to find out if you can take the pill, and which type might be best for you.

You can give information about your medical history during your assessment, and your doctor will recommend a pill for you to use.

The factors presented in the previous parts of this article will all be taken into consideration.

The best way to start is to take the first pill on the first day of your period, or within the first 5 days. This way, you’ll be protected immediately and you won’t need to use an additional contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.

But it’s also possible to start using the pill at a different point during your menstrual cycle. However, if you do this, you’ll need to use additional contraception for seven days.