But how do I get started with the Pill?

Go to a GP or a Family Planning Clinic to get a prescription. In Britain, it is now the practice to take your first-ever Pill on the first day of your period. If you do this, you should be protected immediately – so you can have sex whenever you like.

Practices vary in other countries, and their Pill packs may contain more than 21.

In the USA, it is extremely common for women to have packs containing 28 tablets – but seven of them are ‘dummies.’ These dummy tablets are taken during the week’s break from the Pill, and the idea is to try and make it easier to remember to swallow a tablet at the same time every day!

If that idea appeals to you, then you can easily obtain ‘dummy-containing’ packets in Britain. They are referred to as ‘ED’ brands (ED meaning ‘every day’).

07/29/2010 05:59 PM

Calcium pills 'raise' heart risk

Calcium supplements taken by many older people could be increasing their risk of a heart attack, research shows.

07/29/2010 06:54 PM

Pregnant women rights questioned

The right of women to choose whether they have home births is being questioned by a leading medical journal.

07/29/2010 07:28 PM

Addiction drugs 'aid weight loss'

A combination pill of two drugs used to treat addiction may help people lose weight, say US researchers.

07/29/2010 11:17 AM

Child heart op ban 'should stay'

Children's heart surgery should remain suspended at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where four babies died, a report says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Public health fear in NHS revamp

The overhaul of the NHS may harm the public health drive, a health think tank is warning.

07/28/2010 05:48 AM

Say fat not obese, says minister

GPs and other health professionals should tell people they are fat rather than obese, England's public health minister says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Hip hope from stem cell technique

Doctors may soon be able to patch up damaged bones and joints anywhere in the body with a simple shot in the arm.

07/27/2010 07:12 PM

Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis

Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found

07/27/2010 06:40 PM

Warning for obese mothers-to-be

Obesity levels among pregnant women have reached epidemic levels, putting the health of their babies at risk, experts say.

07/27/2010 07:08 AM

'Emergency fund' for cancer drugs

The government announces a £50m fund aimed at giving patients access to cancer drugs sooner.