Oral hormone based contraception

• Oral contraceptives


  Use female hormones to prevent pregnancy
• Combined pill


  • Contains low doses of oestrogen along with the same progestrone
  • Inhibits the production & release of FSH protecting the ovary so no eggs mature, preventing ovulation
  • Stops the uterus lining developing
  • Makes the mucus in the cervix thick to prevent sperm getting through
  • Side effects: high blood pressure, breast cancer, thrombosis
• Progestrone-only pill


  • Fewer side effects
  • Does not contain oestrogen
  • Inhibits the production & release of FSH protecting the ovary so no eggs mature, preventing ovulation
  • Makes the mucus in the cervix thick to prevent sperm getting through
• Hormone levels don't drop when taking the pill
• Taken daily at the same time