Am I on the right pill?

A lot of women wonder if they're on the right pill, or if there's a better one they could be taking. All versions of the pill have the same high effectiveness rate - 99%, so the main reason for switching would be side-effects experienced with the pill you're on.

Today's new low dose combined pills have many positive effects and very few negative side effects. What some women do experience, are minor discomforts which usually disappear after the first 12 weeks on the pill.

By the way, the expression 'low-dose' simply refers to the latest combined pills (which always contain estrogen and progestogen) containing 35 mcg or less estrogen.

But don't confuse the low-dose combined pill with the POP (or mini-pill as it is commonly known). The POP contains one hormone only, i.e. a progestogen, and is less reliable than the combined pill.

Good reasons for seeing your doctor or family planning advisor to discuss a change of pill, include: interim bleeding, putting on weight, mood changes, breast tenderness or acne.