Are oral contraceptive pills suitable for me?

(Video uploaded 04/2013)

Transcript

Are oral contraceptive pills suitable for me?

Please seek medical advice before starting, because not all women are suitable to have contraceptive pills. It is especially important if you have chronic illness, family history of coronary heart disease or breast cancer, or if you are a smoker. You have to consult your medical practitioner before starting any contraceptive pills.

How can I start the oral contraceptive pills?

Oral contraceptive pills include the progestogen-only type and the combined type, which contains estrogen and progestogen.

There are different packages containing different number and preparation of pills. When starting oral contraceptive pills for the first time, it is advisable to consult medical personnel for correct administration of pills. Pills should be taken punctually. Missed pills should be taken as soon as possible and charted, then visit your doctor for proper follow up.

What are the side effects of oral contraceptive pills?

Some women may have nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, breast engorgement, weight gain etc. shortly after starting oral contraceptive pills. Most of these symptoms will subside after a few weeks.

You should stop taking the pills and consult a doctor immediately if you have severe headache, dizziness, blurring of vision, chest pain, jaundice (yellow staining of sclera or skin), calf pain, etc.

Other contraceptive methods such as condoms should be used when you stop the pills. You can return to Maternal and Child Health Centre for further advice.