Xplore is here to help young people from 11 years upwards, who are finding it hard to cope at school, home or in the community.For various reasons, young people experience difficulties, eg: moving from primary school to secondary school, the break up of a family, bullying at school, managing their anger and sometimes they need support ot overcome these hurdles.Xplore is here to help young people from 11 years upwards, who are finding it hard to cope at school, home or in the community.Xplore is here to help young people from 11 years upwards, who are finding it hard to cope at school, home or in the community.return to homepagesite map
Xplore is here to help young people from 11 years upwards, who are finding it hard to cope at school, home or in the community.Xplore is not just for young people experiencing problems it also helps and encourages young people to become involved in activities which are currently beyond their reach.
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Xplore Relationships


The Pill

There are two types of pill - the oestrogen and progestogen pill (commonly known as the combined pill or just 'the pill') and the progestogen-only pill (sometimes known as the mini-pill). Oestrogen and progestogen are hormones similar to the ones found naturally in females' bodies. They work by:

  • stopping your ovaries releasing an egg each month
  • making the mucus around the neck of the womb become thicker so it is it difficult for sperm to get through
  • changing the lining of the womb.

A doctor or family planning centre will advise if you are suitable for the pill, and which type. You don't have to pay for your prescriptions. If the pill is taken correctly, it is 99% effective.

Certain drugs may stop the pill working - a doctor, pharmacist or nurse can advise. The combined pill is not effective if taken over 12 hours late, or after vomiting or severe diarrhoea. The mini-pill is not effective if taken over 3 hours late, or after vomiting or severe diarrhoea.

If you start the combined pill or mini-pill on the first day of your period you'll be protected immediately. If you're told to start on any other day, you won't be protected for the first seven days, so you will need to use another form of contraception (like a condom).

Combined Pill

Advantages

  • safe, effective and reliable method of contraception
  • often reduces bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual tension
  • helps protect against cancer of the ovary and cancer of the womb
  • free at Family Planning Clinics and GP surgeries
  • suitable for healthy non-smokers up to the menopause

Disadvantages

  • it may not be suitable for some females, so a full medical history needs to be taken before a doctor can prescribe the pill
  • there may be temporary side effects when you first start taking the pill, for example headaches, mood changes and weight gain, but for most females the benefits of the pill outweigh the possible risks/side effects
  • not suitable for smokers over 35 or for females who are breastfeeding.

Mini Pill

Advantages

  • useful for older females who smoke and females who can't use the combined pill
  • can be used when breastfeeding

Disadvantages

  • needs to be taken every day
  • there may be temporary side effects
  • periods may be irregular, with some bleeding inbetween, or missed
  • may be less effective in females who weigh more than 70kg (11st).

The pill does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV and chlamydia, so it's important that you use condoms as well.


Xplore Dundee - Xplore Life

- money
- relationships
- law
- learning
- work
- leisure
- environment
 


Mitchell Street Centre
Mitchell Street,
Dundee,
DD2 2LJ

Tel: 01382 435863
Fax: 01382 435858
click on this map to find out where Xplore is.
 

 
Xplore Dundee, Supporting young people to explore their future