The estrogen and progestogen pill taken without interruption

It is a pill containing a small dose of synthetic hormones, similar to those produced by the woman. It is to be taken every day without interruption, even during menstruation.

How it works

• It inhibits ovulation by putting the ovaries into a resting period
• It acts on the lining of the uterus which is no longer prepared for possible implantation.
• It thickens the secretions of the neck of the womb, or cervix, thus forming a barrier against sperm.

How to use it

Each packet contains 28 pills : 24 contain hormones (coloured pills). 4 are « placebos » (white pills).
When taking the pill for the first time :

• Begin the first packet on the first day of your period = immediate security
• Take the pill at the same time each day (there is no risk if you forget but only within a delay of: 12 hours maximum).
• Your period will start at the end of the packet, usually when you take the white pills. Periods are often less heavy and less painful.
• At the end of the packet, start a new packet straight away even if your period has not finished.

If you...

…lose blood whilst taking the pill, do not stop but continue to take it regularly, it isn’t serious. However, if you continue to bleed during the next cycle, consult your doctor.
…have vomiting or diarrhoea, it is possible that the pill has not been absorbed well and therefore its efficiency is lessened. Continue to take the pill and use a condom during 7 days. If you vomit within 4 hours after taking a coloured pill, retake another pill of the same colour (for example from a spare packet).
…take medication, antibiotics, anti-convulsive, tranquillisers, hypericum, ask your doctor if you are still protected as some of these medications can lessen the contraceptive effect. Continue taking the pill but use a condom as well..
…interrupt sexual relations (break up with your partner, separation for a long period of time), finish the packet normally before stopping and keep a supply of condoms for  emergency use.
…do not have your period during the pause and you have not :
- forgotten to take a pill
- had vomiting or diarrhoea
- taken any medication
begin a new packet on the date due and consult a Family Planning centre or your doctor.

Forgotten to take a pill

• There is no risk up to 12 hours if you forget to take the pill.

• If the pill has not been taken within 12 hours of the usual time, contraception can no longer be guaranteed.

What to do ?

• Take the forgotten pill as soon as possible, even if you take 2 on the same day or at the same time.
• If there has not been sexual intercourse on the day of the forgotten pill and/or 7 days beforehand, continue with the packet and in addition use a condom for the next 7 days.
• Should you forget, it is indispensable to have taken 7 consecutive coloured pills before you are protected again. This means, if you forget to take a pill just when you are finishing the packet and that there remain less than 7 coloured pills to take, do not take white pills but rather continue with a new packet.
• If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse (sex), to find out what you should do, contact a Sexual Health and Family Planning Centre or your own doctor. You may need emergency contraception. This should be taken as soon as possible but no later than 72 or 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse (depending on the type of emergency contraception used). See ‘emergency contraception’ for further information.
• During this time, continue to take the pill and in the event of sexual intercourse, use a condom during 7 days.
• There are no serious consequences if you forget a white pill.

Important to know

...bleeding may occur if a pill has been forgotten.

Good to know

• The best way to protect yourself from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections is to practise safer sex:
  1. Always use a condom, male or female, for penetrative sex (vaginal or anal sex).
  2. For more personal sexual advice, do the safer sex check on www.lovelife.ch.

2018, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Fondation suisse pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive; ALECSS Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung