THE PILL
FACT SHEET
What types of the Pill are there? If you are taking the multiphasic Pill ‘Qlaira’,
then different rules apply for starting pills.
There are many types of the Pill available;
What is most come in a 28 day packet, containing
You should check the information on the
the Pill? hormone (active) pills, and up to 7 days of
packet.
non-hormone (inactive) pills. When taking Take all the active pills in the packet until
the inactive pills there is usually a withdrawal you reach the inactive pills. After you
The combined oral contraceptive bleed, which is like a period. have finished taking the inactive pills you
pill, commonly referred to as should start taking the active pills in your
Some Pill packing has a shorter 4 or 2
the Pill, contains two artificial next packet. You should do this even if the
day window of inactive pills. There is also
hormones, oestrogen and withdrawal bleed hasn’t finished.
a Pill which is taken continuously for 84
progestogen – these are similar You may want to continue using condoms
days, followed by 7 days of very low dose
to hormones naturally produced while using the Pill because they help
active pills. There are different benefits and
by the body. It is often taken to to protect you from sexually transmitted
disadvantages to each type of Pill, and this
prevent pregnancy; however, infections (STIs) and provide back-up
can be discussed with a doctor or nurse
there are other reasons why contraception, particularly if you miss a Pill.
before starting.
someone may decide to take
it, such as to control periods or How does the Pill work? Can I skip my period?
improve acne.
The Pill works by: It is possible to skip the inactive pills and
take the hormone pills continuously so that
• stopping the release of an egg by the
you should not get a bleed. It is safe to do
ovary (ovulation)
this although some people may experience
• making the mucus (sticky fluid) at the
breakthrough bleeding. Talk to your doctor
opening of the uterus thicker so sperm
or nurse to get advice about the best way to
can’t get through
do this.
How effective is the Pill? When is the Pill not effective?
The Pill is greater than 99% effective with
The Pill may not be effective if:
perfect use, but with typical day-to-day use
• two or more pills are missed
it is about 93% effective.
(i.e. more than 48 hours since the last pill
How do I get the Pill? was taken)
The Pill is available on prescription, which • vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking
can be obtained from your doctor, SHINE SA the hormone pill
clinics, community health clinics or youth • you have very severe diarrhoea
health clinics. See Missed pills for instructions.
Always check with your doctor or contact
How do I take the Pill?
the Sexual Healthline if you are taking other
It is usually advised to begin taking the Pill medications, as some drugs may stop the
within the first 5 days of your period starting. Pill from working (e.g. some anti-epileptic
If you start taking an active pill during medication). This can also include herbal
this time frame then protection against medicines like St John’s Wort. If you are
pregnancy is considered immediate. taking one of these medications you will
If you start after the first 5 days of your need to use other protection while taking
period, you need to use another form of the medication and for one month after
contraception for 7 days before you will be stopping.
protected from unplanned pregnancy.
shinesa.org.au
FACT SHEET / THE PILL
What are the benefits of taking the Pill? Tips for good Pill taking
Periods usually become more regular, shorter, lighter and • Take the Pill every day at a time that’s easy to remember.
less painful. • If you forget to take your pill you can take it up to 24 hours from
• The timing of bleeding can be controlled. the usual time to remain safe (up to 48 hours since your last
• The Pill can reduce the chance of cancer of the uterus and pill), but it may cause irregular bleeding. See Missed pills for
ovaries, benign breast disease, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. instructions.
• The Pill usually improves acne. • If you are taking the Pill to prevent pregnancy do not stop
• The Pill can be used as a treatment for pre-menstrual symptoms. taking the Pill unless you want to get pregnant or have started
• It’s easily reversible and has no effect on future fertility. another form of contraception.
What are the possible side effects? Missed pills
The Pill has few side effects. Serious health problems caused by
the Pill are rare; the most dangerous is blood clots, usually in the Is the Pill more than 24 hours late?
legs or lungs (called thrombosis). (I.e. is it more than 48 hours since the last pill was taken?)
You may notice:
• irregular bleeding
• headaches (more than normal) YES NO
• an increase in appetite Take the pill most recently Take the pill straight away.
• nausea (feeling sick) – try taking the Pill with food or in the missed straight away. This This may mean taking two
may mean taking two pills in pills in one day. The pill will
evening one day. Discard any other continue to work.
• sore breasts (supportive bra can help) missed pills. Use condoms
• changes in mood, including feeling depressed as well for the next 7 days.
Continue active pills as usual;
If you have any of these side effects continue taking the pills. if you are within 7 days of the
They will mostly settle after 2–3 months of taking the Pill. If they next hormone-free break, skip
persist or are very disruptive, see your doctor or SHINE SA clinic the inactive pills and continue
active pills.
as a change of the type of Pill may help.
In some people the hormones in the Pill can cause patchy brown
discolouration to appear on the face, especially if you spend a In addition to continuing your usual pill, consider
levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception if:
lot of time in the sun. If this happens when you are on the Pill you • you have taken fewer than 7 active pills since the
can try to limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen. The brown last hormone-free break, AND
discolouration can take time to fade, even if you stop taking the • you have had unprotected sexual intercourse in
the past 5 days.
Pill, and may require specialised treatment.
Who should not take the Pill? It doesn’t matter if you forget to take your inactive pills.
The Pill is safe for most people. In particular, the risks of taking If you are taking the multiphasic Pill ‘Qlaira’, then different rules
the Pill are less than the risks of being pregnant. apply for missed pills. You should check the information on the
The Pill is not suitable for someone who: packet.
• has had a stroke, heart attack or high blood pressure If you are worried about having missed a pill, contact a
• has a past or close family history of blood clots pharmacist, doctor or SHINE SA clinic.
• has certain types of migraine, diabetes or liver disease If you are thinking about using Emergency Contraception (EC),
• is over 35 years old and smokes it’s best taken as soon as possible, but can be taken up to 5
• has a body mass index >35 days after unprotected sex. The most effective EC is a copper
IUD. There are 2 different Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)
available in Australia and your doctor or pharmacist can advise
The Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted
you which is the best one for you. For more information on EC
infections (STIs) or blood-borne viruses (BBVs). Practise
safer sex. Condoms reduce the risk of STIs and BBVs. see SHINE SA Fact Sheet.
Clinic & Counselling Appointments and General Enquiries
CONTACT Tel 8300 5300
Clinic locations and times are available at www.shinesa.org.au
SHINE SA Sexual Healthline
Tel 1300 883 793 Country callers (toll free) 1800 188 171
Talk to a sexual health nurse about any sexual health issue.
Available 9am – 12.30pm, Monday – Friday
© SHINE SA. Last updated April 2021 National Relay Service
SHINE SA Fact Sheets are regularly reviewed www.relayservice.gov.au
and updated. To download the most recent
133 677 (TTY/Voice) 1300 555 727 (Speak & Listen) 0423 677 767 (SMS Relay)
version visit www.shinesa.org.au
shinesa.org.au
