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The Pill. Loved and used by millions of women around the world. And why? It’s cheap, convenient, simple to use and relatively hassle free. But how much do we really remember about it from our high school health classes? For all of you nzgirls on the pill, here are a few important things to keep in mind...
What it is and does: The combined pill is made up of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone and stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Take it regularly every day: Each active pill in the blister pack contains only enough hormonal ingredients to protect you from pregnancy for one day, which is why you need to take it every day.
Stay Active: For some women, the pill can increase weight levels, so it’s important to stay healthy, exercise regularly and stick to a balanced diet to help avoid this.
Cut back on the drinking: Alcohol affects you more when you’re on the pill due to the alcohol being more rapidly absorbed and staying in your system longer.
Look out for changes: In the first three months of starting a new pill it’s normal to experience slight spotting or bleeding between periods, this is nothing to worry about and will usually stop after the first few months. However, if you notice any other changes that are worrying you, it’s best to speak to your doctor.
Avoid Grapefruit: Grapefruit contains a chemical which slows oestrogen metabolism; this can stop the pill from being completely absorbed into your bloodstream.
Skip your period: It’s perfectly safe to skip the odd period by missing out the sugar pills, and won’t harm your body. However, if you want to skip them for longer you should talk to your doctor.
Don’t Forget: If you forget to take an active pill and are more than 12 hours late in taking it, the ‘Seven day rule’ will apply. This means using an alternative barrier method such as condoms for the next seven days whilst continuing to take the active pills as normal. Only after seven days of taking the active pills you will be protected from pregnancy again. If you have missed an active pill and had sex, the morning after pill is available at most pharmacies, and is effective up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Being sick: if you vomit or experience diarrohea within three to four hours after taking an active pill, this is the same as missing a pill and the seven day rule will apply.
Medicine effects: certain medicines such as antibiotics can affect how the pill works, if you are prescribed these, use an alternative barrier method whilst taking them and for seven days after as well.
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world. And why? It’s cheap, convenient, simple to use and relatively hassle free. 
Take it regularly every day: Each active pill in the blister pack contains only enough hormonal ingredients to protect you from pregnancy for one day, which is why you need to take it every day.
Avoid Grapefruit: Grapefruit contains a chemical 
Being sick: if you vomit or experience diarrohea within three to four hours after taking an active pill, this is the same as missing a pill and the seven day rule will apply.