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for sperm to get into the womb. In about 4 out of 10 woman it also prevents ovulation.

*Which Pill*

Each of the two types of concontraceptive pill has it's own benefits and risks, within the subcategories the different brands again have different risks and benefits, this is something you will need to discuss with your GP or Family planning clinic.

The combined pill is the more effective of the two types due to the fact it combines two different hormones and definitely prevents ovulation. however it is not regularly prescribed for woman over 35 and heavy smokers. Breast feeding woman should not take this pill. This is where the mini pill might well be more suitable for woman over 35 and breast feeding woman.

*Taking the pill*

Having made the decision that you want to use the pill as your form of contraception you will now find yourself with a prescription from your GP or FP clinic. Normally most GP's and clinics will only you a prescription for 6 months and make you reattend for blood pressure checks prior to giving you another prescription.

The Combined Pill: the first course should be commenced on the first day of your period, however it can be started up to day 4 of your period but additional contraceptive methods would be needed to used for the first 14 days of using the pill. The pill is then taken daily for 21 days. A break is then taken of 7 days and the course recommenced. It is during the 7 day break that your period should occur. The Combined pill needs to be taken at a fairly regular time every 24 hours. Should you realise that you have not say taken your pill say that night it is still effective if the missed pill is taken in the 12 hour window of effectiveness. IE if you take your pill regularly on waking at say 8am and forget ot ttoe it you have till 8pm that night to take it without reducing it's effect ability

The Mini pill: the mini pill again is started on the first day of your period. For mothers who have recently delivered can be taken any time from 3 weeks post delivery, if commenced earlier it can cause break throw bleeding. The mini pill is take continuously without a break. The mini pill however does need to be taken daily at the right time should you take one pill at say 8pm then the next days pill must be taken at 8pm. The window of effectiveness with the mini pill is only 3 hours i e you took the night before's pill at 8pm you have till 11pm to take tonight's pill.One recent mini pill thankfully has given woman slightly more leeway with

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