Pill Facts

How do I know the Pill is right for me?

The Pill is 99% effective, which is why it is one of the most reliable contraceptives today. In comparison, the intrauterine device is 98-99% effective and the male condom is 98% effective. But every woman’s need is unique. The Pill is a good choice if you are looking for a contraceptive that:

• is easy to use and is safe
• is suitable from the teen to menopausal years
• has contraceptive effects that are quickly reversible
• results in reduced menstrual bleeding and fewer cramps
• results in shorter and more regular periods
• can also have a number of other non-contraceptive health benefits

However, always remember that the Pill doesn’t provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are at risk of contracting an STD, always use a condom when you engage in any form of sexual contact, especially intercourse.

Is the Pill suitable for everyone?

The Pill is an excellent choice for millions of women, but it is not suitable for everyone.

For example, the Pill is not recommended for women over 35 years of age who smoke. Speak to a doctor about your options and whether the Pill’s benefits to you outweigh the possible risks for your particular situation.

Before starting on the Pill, have a physical examination. This would allow your doctor to make sure that you don’t have any of the pre-existing conditions that would make the Pill unsuitable for you. These conditions include:

• pregnancy
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• blood clots in your legs or elsewhere
• stroke, heart attack or a history of chest pain
• certain liver diseases
• cancer of the reproductive organs (such as your breast, uterus, cervix or ovaries)
• cerebrovascular disorders
• coronary artery disease
• a history of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood-clotting) disorders
• ocular lesions arising from ophthalmic vascular disease (visual defects)

What else should I know about the pill?

• Don’t lend your pills, even to your friends. Every woman must make an individual, informed decision about whether the Pill is right for her. Avoid borrowing a different brand of the Pill too – each brand has different levels of hormones and your body needs time to adjust to each one.

• Tell your doctor you’re taking Mercilon if you’re scheduled for surgery or are in need of prolonged rest. Under these circumstances, doctors may recommend that women stop taking the Pill one month before to reduce the risk of developing blood clots.

• Mercilon is generally safe to take until menopause. It may even protect against osteoporosis and specific reproductive cancers.

• It’s always wise to perform a breast self-exam (BSE) regularly, and to have a complete physical examination once a year. Include a Pap smear test if you are sexually active.