Top tips for pill takers

Whatever age you are when you start to take the pill, there are three things to look out for. Never get sloppy about your routine of taking the pill - don't take chances or risks. Always keep your appointments for your regular health checks. Make a habit of examining your own breasts throughout your adult life.

1. The pill has to be taken at the same time every day. Decide what time you're going to take yours and make sure you stick to it.

2. When you start or re-start the pill, follow the instructions carefully about how long to use back-up contraception (e.g. condoms) until you have enough of the pill's hormones in your body for it to start working.

3. Always have something else available in case you forget to take your pill such as condoms.

4. If you're on the progestogen only pill, the POP, and you're more than 3 hours late in taking it, use a back-up method as well (e.g. condoms) until you start the next packet.

5. Don't give a girlfriend your brand of pill if she's forgotten her own. (She must see her doctor).

6. Vomiting and diarrhoea can both stop the pill from working (even if you've only been sick once). Use a back up method of contraception for the whole of the rest of that pack of pills.

7. Some prescription drugs including many antibiotics interfere with the combined pill. Always ask your doctor when you get a prescription if it will stop the pill working properly. Alternatively, give sex a miss altogether until you've finished the prescription drugs.

8. If you feel a little sick when you first start the pill, try taking it before a meal, such as breakfast, or before you go to sleep at night.

9. If you smoke, starting the pill is a great time to stop. It will be easier now than when you are older. The pill carries significant risks for women over the age of 35 who smoke.