The combined contraceptive pill (also called the pill) is not suitable for everyone.

You may not be able to take it if youâre living with obesity, or youâre aged 35 or over and you smoke.

The pill may not be suitable if you have ever had:

blood clots, or a family member had blood clots under the age of 45
narrowed or blocked arteries, or a stroke
a heart problem, heart disease, or high blood pressure
migraines with warning signs called aura
breast cancer
gallbladder or bile duct problems
liver cancer or severe cirrhosis
complications due to diabetes

If any of these apply to you, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether itâs safe for you to take the pill.

Taking the combined pill for acne and heavy or painful periods

Taking the combined pill usually makes your periods regular, lighter and less painful.

The pill may also help the symptoms of:

If you have painful or heavy periods, or problem acne, ask a GP or pharmacist whether the pill could help with your symptoms.

Taking the combined pill after birth or when breastfeeding

If you have just had a baby and are not breastfeeding, you can usually start the pill on day 21 after the birth, but check with a midwife, health visitor, doctor, nurse or pharmacist first. Youâll need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days after you start taking the pill.

If youâre breastfeeding, you should wait 6 weeks after giving birth before you start taking the pill. Youâll need to use a different method of contraception, such as condoms, until then and for 7 days after you start taking the pill.

Taking the combined pill after a miscarriage or abortion

If youâre less than 24 weeks pregnant and have a miscarriage or abortion, you can start taking the pill straight away. If you start taking it within 5 days youâll be protected from pregnancy immediately.

If you start the pill more than 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, until youâve taken the pill for 7 days.

If youâre more than 24 weeks pregnant and have a miscarriage, you can usually start the pill on day 21 after the miscarriage. Use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days after you start taking the pill.

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