This medicine is a combined oral contraceptive and belongs to a group of drugs called “the Pillâ€. It contains two types of hormone: an estrogen, named ethinylestradiol, and a progestogen type, named gestodene.Â
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These hormones stop the ovary from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). They also thicken the fluid (mucus) at the neck of the womb (cervix) making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg and altering the lining of the womb to make it less likely to accept a fertilized egg. Medical research and vast experience have shown that, if taken correctly, the Pill is an effective reversible form of contraception. This medicine, like other hormonal contraceptives, will not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Only condoms can do this.Â
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How does the Pill work?Â
The combined contraceptive pills contain hormones equivalent to those your body produces (estrogen and progestogen). These hormones help to prevent you from getting pregnant, just as your natural hormones would stop you from conceiving again when you are already pregnant.Â
The combined contraceptive pill protects you against getting pregnant in three ways:Â
• You will not release an egg to be fertilized by sperm.
• The fluid in the neck of your womb thickens so it is more difficult for sperm to enter.
• The lining of your womb does not thicken enough for an egg to start to grow.
