Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COC Pill)

What is the combined oral contraceptive pill?

The combined oral contraceptive pill (or COC pill for short) is a contraceptive pill for women.

How does it work?

The pill contains two specific items (or hormones) – progestogen and oestrogen. The two hormones in the pill stop a woman’s eggs from being released from the ovary for the man’s sperm to fertilise.

How do I take the COC pill?

COC is a pill that you take at the same time every day.

Where can I get the COC pill?

You can get the COC pill from a GP (doctor) or sexual health clinic. First, the doctor or nurse will discuss whether it’s the right contraception for you.

To find a GP (doctor) clinic or sexual health clinic in Hawke’s Bay, click here.

What are the benefits of the COC pill?

• When used correctly, it is very good at preventing pregnancy
• It has no lasting effect on your chances of being pregnant – as soon as you stop taking it, you can become pregnant
• Your periods may become lighter and more regular
• You can skip your periods and take the combined oral contraceptive pill continuously
• It can help reduce period cramps
• The COC pill can reduce your risk of cancer (ovary and endometrium)

What are the disadvantages of the COC pill?

• To prevent pregnancy, you have to remember to take it every day
• You may get some spotting in the first couple of months of taking the COC pill
• Blood clots are a serious but extremely rare side effective of the COC pill. Smoking increases your risk of a blood clot so you should not take the COC pill if you are a smoker.

Does the COC pill protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No, the COC pill does not protect against STIs. You should use a condom every time you have sex to protect you from getting an STI.