Is it reliable and safe?

Of 100 women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill for 1 year, only 0.03 - 0.05 will become pregnant. That's according to the Pearl Index which is the internationally accepted measurement of how reliable different methods of contraception are.

When it comes to safety, yes there are some women who have - or are at risk of having certain conditions which mean they are unsuited to the pill. But doctors are well equipped to identify these women.

You will not be given the pill until you have seen your doctor and you've had a medical examination to ensure that, as far as it is possible to know, this is an appropriate method of contraception for you.