Benefits & Risks

The Pill has come a long way since it was introduced 40 years ago. It has never been safer or more convenient for women to take.

One of the advances researchers have made is creating low-dosage pills like Mercilon. Its combination of estrogen and progestogen provides birth control that is 99 per cent effective. It also gives you a number of other, non-contraceptive benefits:

• It regulates your menstrual cycle, giving you a greater degree of personal freedom and control.

• It lightens your blood flow and shortens your period.
  

• It reduces the pain and cramping during the menstruation.

• It reduces acne and keeps your skin clear.

• It reduces your risk of developing ovarian cysts.

• It reduces your risk of an ectopic, or tubal pregnancy. This occurs when the embryo attaches itself to the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus.

• It reduces your risk of developing cysts or non-cancerous lumps in your breasts.

• It reduces your risk of contracting pelvic inflammatory disease. This is a bacterial infection of your fallopian tubes.
  

• After at least four years of continued use, it reduces your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
  

• After at least two years of continued use, it reduces your risk of developing cancer of the lining of your uterus.