Advantages
Birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy if you remember to take them every day.
It means you are in control of whether you get pregnant or not.
They can stop heavy or painfulperiodsand periodrelated mood swings (premenstrual syndrome).
Birth control pills can also reduce acne.
Disadvantages
You have to remember to take it every day at around the same time.
It doesn’t protect you or your partner fromSTIsincluding HIV – only condoms prevent pregnancy and STIs.
In the first few weeks you might get side effects, such as tender breasts, mood changes and light bleeding between periods.
Some women have more serious side effects, including blood clots, although this is rare.
Some medication can make the pill less effective. This includes some HIV treatment and antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis and meningitis. Check with your doctor about taking the pill if you&39;re taking any other drugs.
If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within a few hours of taking the pill, it might not work. You might need to take another pill straight away or use condoms until you are better.
