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Contraceptive pill review

Contraception Review
Required fields are labelled
What is your name?
What is your date of birth?
For example, 31 3 1980
What is your sex?
As recorded on your medical record
The one used to register with your GP
Anyone else with access to your email account may see responses sent to you

Pill Review

How the combined pill works

The pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also

  • Thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it is harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and reach an egg.
  • Thins the lining of the womb, so there is less chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb and being able to grow.

The pill is over 99% effective if used correctly.

Long Acting Reversible methods of contraception, such as the Mirena and implant, are better at preventing pregnancy. Would you be interested in these methods? We can fit these in the surgery, or you can go to iCash in Norwich: Required

Are you using the combined pill now? Required

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Benefits and risks of taking the pill

The combined contraceptive pill has many benefits, including reducing your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon.

However, there are some risks from the pill:

  • a small increase in your risk of blood clots in the legs and the lungs (Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism)
  • 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.
Required

Sexually-transmitted infections

The pill does not protect against sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

You should get checked for sexually-transmitted infections through iCash if you have not been checked since the start of your most recent relationship.

Are you regularly using medication that is not prescribed, such as St John’s Wort? Required
Do you suffer from severe headaches or migraines? Required
Have you ever been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)? Required
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? Required
Do you have a diagnosis of High Blood Pressure? Required
Have you been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure during pregnancy? Required
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 on the NHS website. Required
In Metres
In KG

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.

Please give a blood pressure reading:

Please use this date format: DD/MM/YYYY.

Advice

People taking the pill should avoid long periods of immobility during travel, to reduce their risk of blood clots. People trekking to high altitudes (above 4500m) for more than 1 weeks should consider switching to another contraceptive method.
Required
You should complete a pill check every year using this form.

If you develop new headache symptoms, a change in your vaginal bleeding pattern, or are diagnosed with any new medical conditions before your next pill check, you should let us know so that we can review the suitability of your contraceptive.

What happens next?