The pill
The pill, which is another name for oral contraception, is a very popular type of contraception and involves girls taking a tablet at the same time every day. There are two main types of pills available:
- combined oral contraceptive pill (oestrogen and progestogen)
- progestogen only pill.
Combined oral contraceptive pill
The combined pill is the most common type, and contains female hormones called oestrogen and progestogen. It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). To ensure best results, the pill must be taken every day. Even if you miss just one pill and have sex, you can become pregnant. You shouldn't have unprotected sex until you have taken active (hormone) pills for seven days in a row. Not all women can take the pill.
Progestogen only pill
The progestogen only pill (sometimes called "POP" or "mini pill") prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus that stops the sperm from getting to the egg. This pill also needs to be taken at the same time every day to be effective. It is not commonly taken by young people but may suit women who can't take oestrogen, breastfeeding women and older women.
Watch an animated movie about the pill.
How to get it
The pill is only available by getting a prescription from a medical professional. For advice, see your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
More info
Find out more about oral contraception by visiting the Family Planning Queensland website.