The Pill

The pill is probably the most effective method of contraception for young women, as it is virtually 100% effective, provided you remember to take it. There is still a great deal that is not known about the pill, how it works and how it affects women.

There are three basic types on the market:-combined, sequential, and continuous. Of these three the combined is the most effective. In the last few years, the results of a number of investigations have been published and it's now certain that there is a link between pill-taking and some types of thrombosis. If you go on through life without having children, you have to weigh the growing risk of thrombosis with your need for an utterly reliable contraceptive. The risk is not very high; about one or two in every 100,000 under 35 get thrombosis.

Some women suffer side effects of the pill, such as weight gain, nausea, vaginal discharge, depression.

There is a large list of combined pills available in New Zealand. They cost approximately $1-$1.50 a packet.

It is important that you see a doctor before going on the pill so that he can prescribe the right one for you.