Contraceptive Pills (COC/POP)
What are contraceptive pills (also known as birth control pills)?
The oral contraceptive pill (OCP), or "the pill" for short, is one of the most popular methods of contraception used in Malta. Currently, it's only available for women, although a male pill is being developed. The contraceptive pill contains one or ...
How effective are oral contraceptive pills?
If taken properly, the oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy in about 99% of women, but since accidents happen and sometimes pills are missed, it is about 91% effective in real life. Oral contraceptive pills do not protect you against sexually ...
How long do contraceptive pills take to work?
It depends on when you start taking them and what type of pills you’re using. You can start taking the birth control pill any day of the month. But depending on when you start and the kind of pill you are using, you may need to use a backup ...
How much do contraceptive pills cost?
In Malta, the contraceptive pills usually cost between 8 to 15 Euros per month, depending on the brand.
How do I use contraceptive pills?
This depends on the type of contraceptive pill you use. For the most accurate instructions, read the information in your contraceptive pill pack. For combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs): Each monthly pack of combined oral contraceptives usually ...
What should I do if I miss one or more contraceptive pills?
For the most accurate advice, we recommend you read the information that comes in you contraceptive pill pack, because the instructions vary between one pill type and another. For combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs): It is considered a missed ...
What can cause contraceptive pills to stop working?
The most common reason contraceptive pills lose efficacy is because they are not taken on time everyday. If you struggle to remember to take your pill on time, set a recurring reminder on your mobile phone. Apart from missed pills, there are other ...
What are the side effects of contraceptive pills?
The hormones in oral contraceptive pills may cause side effects in some people. But this doesn’t happen to everyone — many people use the pill with no problems. After starting the pill, some people may have: Headaches Nausea Sore breasts Changes in ...
What are the advantanges of using contraceptive pills?
The combined oral contraceptive pill helps periods become regular and predictable, and in some women in makes them lighter and less painful. The pill can also reduce the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and acne. There are studies that show ...
I am having breakthrough bleeding on the combined contraceptive pill. What can I do?
Breakthrough bleeding is when spotting happens while you are not on your period. Breakthrough bleeding while you’re on the pill is normal and usually nothing to worry about. There are many reasons why you may have breakthrough bleeding while on the ...
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the mini pill?
The mini pill (also known as progestogen-only pill) is a type of contraceptive pill that contains only one hormone - a progestogen. It is different than other contraceptive pills that contain two hormones - a progestogen and an oestrogen. The mini ...
Do contraceptive pills cause weight gain?
No. Studies show that using the contraceptive pill does not make you gain weight. Likewise, there are no contraceptive pills that make you lose weight.
Can I use contraceptive pills if I have a medical condition?
Like with all medications, the pill is not for everyone. Mini pills (progestogen-only pills) have less contraindications than combined pills. If you’re over 35 and a smoker, you shouldn’t use the combined pill (COCs) or any other kind of ...
What's the difference between combined contraceptive pills (COCs) and mini pills (POPs)?
There are two main types of oral contraceptive pills: those that contain two hormones - an oestrogen and a progestogen - and these are called combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills, and those that contain only one hormone - a progestogen - and these ...
What can I do if my contraceptive pill is out of stock?
This is unfortunately a common problem in Malta, and there are sometimes nationwide shortages of certain brands of contraceptive pill. You should first speak with your doctor to see if they can prescribe a similar type of pill. If this is not ...
Should I take a morning after pill after sex if I am on the contraceptive pill?
When taken regularly, the contraceptive pill is over 98% effective at preventing pregnancy whereas morning after pills are only around 75% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that when taken regularly, contraceptive pills offer superior ...