Oral contraception is the treatment commonly offered to young women suffering from dysmenorrhea (period pain) that is not adequately alleviated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)^{16, 17}. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP, or 'The Pill') is often used to achieve long-term suppression of period pain¹⁸. The pill may retard the progression of endometriosis but the evidence is conflicting. Usually the pill is prescribed continuously, that is the 'sugar pills' are discarded and the hormone pills are taken daily to stop the period and suppress endometriosis¹⁹.

Possible side effects

Possible side effects of the oral contraceptive pill include:

• Irregular bleeding
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness 
• Weight gain
• Mood changes / depression
• Headache

You should not take the pill if you:

• Smoke and/or are over 35 with risk factors for heart disease or cardiovascular disease.
• Have high blood pressure
• Have had recent breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack or stroke
• Have liver disease
• If there is a family history of thrombosis or clots and your clotting profile is unknown

More serious risks of the Pill, such as blood clots (thrombosis), are rare. If you experience chest pain, severe headaches, severe pain, or swelling of one leg, you should see your health practitioner immediately.

Content updated 30 November 2011