What is the combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill)?

The combined oral contraceptive pill is a type of contraception (birth control). It's often just called 'the pill'. Some doctors refer to the pill as the 'OCP'.

You take the pill as a daily tablet. It contains 2 hormones — oestrogen and progestogen.

Types of combined oral contraceptive pills

There are many different types of combined OCP.

Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. You need a prescription to take the pill.

Some types of the pill are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which means they are cheaper to buy.

How does the pill work?

The main way the pill works is by stopping ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries).

The pill also thickens the mucus at the entrance of your uterus (womb), which prevents sperm from getting in.

How do I take the pill?

The pill usually comes in a packet of 28. You should take one pill around the same time every day.

Your pill packets may contain:

• 21 hormone pills and 7 non-hormone pills (28 pills altogether)
• 24 hormone pills and 4 non-hormone pills (28 pills altogether)

You will get a withdrawal bleed when you take the non-hormone pills. This is like a period, but the bleeding is usually lighter and shorter.

Read the instructions that come with your pill carefully. They will tell you what to do if you:

• are late taking your pill
• miss a dose

Missing a pill may mean your pill won't protect you from getting pregnant.

If you miss a pill and aren't sure what to do, you can:

• ask your doctor
• call your local family planning clinic

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How well does the pill work at preventing pregnancy?

The pill works well at stopping pregnancy when used properly. However, no form of contraception is 100% effective. With normal use, 7 in 100 people will become pregnant when using the pill.

The pill may not work properly if:

• you don't take it regularly or miss a dose
• you've had vomiting or diarrhoea (the pill may not be absorbed properly)
• you are taking another medicine or supplement that affects the pill

If you take any other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they might affect the pill.

If you feel that the pill isn't for you, talk to your doctor about the other forms of contraception. You may want to consider the contraceptive implant or intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the pill?

Some advantages of the pill are that it can:

• be effective when taken properly
• help control heavy periods and reduce period pain
• improve acne
• help with endometriosis symptoms
• improve polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• be used for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
• improve some symptoms of perimenopause

You can also talk to your doctor about how to take the pill to avoid having periods.

The disadvantages of the pill are that:

• it needs to be taken at the same time every day
• it may not work properly if you have vomiting or diarrhoea
• you may have spotting or breakthrough vaginal bleeding
• it can cause side effects
• when you stop taking the pill, there may be a delay in the return of your normal cycle and fertility
• it may increase your chance of blood clots, stroke and heart attack
• it won't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

What are the possible side effects of the pill?

Side effects of combined hormonal contraception may include:

• headache
• nausea
• tender breasts
• bloating
• mood changes
• less interest in sex
• brown patches on your face

Most side effects get better after 3 months on the pill.

Who should not take the pill?

Talk with your doctor or family planning clinic about whether the pill may be an option for you.

The pill may not be recommended if you:

• have, or have ever had, blood clots such as a deep vein thrombosis
• have a condition that increases your chances of blood clots
• are older than 35 years and smoke
• have had a baby in the last 6 weeks and are breastfeeding
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have certain types of heart disease
• have high blood pressure

The pill also may not be advised if you have other health problems, including:

• severe liver problems
• breast cancer
• some types of migraine

How can I get the pill?

You need a prescription from your doctor or family planning clinic to take the pill.

You may be able to get the pill at a pharmacy if your prescription has expired, or you have run out of repeats of your prescription.

Use the links below to find information for your state or territory:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Resources and support

Family Planning Australia has fact sheets on contraception in English and in other languages.

Health Translations has more information about the pill in languages other than English.

See Yarning About Contraception for more information about birth control options.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.