Combined
oral contraceptive pill risks and benefitsThe risks
The main risk from taking the pill is "thrombosis." This is made more likely if you have a strong family history of thrombosis, and if you are overweight or smoke. Age is less important. If you smoke you should stop altogether (or at least cut down). The risk of thrombosis is much higher if you are over 35, so the combined contraceptive pill is not usually prescribed in this age group.
The benefits
- Prevention of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing in places apart from the womb)
- Protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (womb and tube infection)
- Lighter, less painful periods
- Relief from premenstrual symptoms
- Prevention of non-cancerous breast disease
- Reduced chance of developing fibroids
- Relief from the symptoms of endometriosis
- Protection against cancer of the ovaries, womb and bowel