A short-acting family planning method
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) is a tablet that contains two hormones, progestogen and estrogen, and is taken daily to prevent pregnancy.
The hormones in the pill work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens cervical mucus so that it is harder for a sperm to reach the womb.
Effectiveness
92%. If one hundred women used the pill for a year, then 92 of those women would not fall pregnant during that period.
Some women forget to take the pill every day, which can increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Availability
At the Family Health Clinic in Dili and through outreach teams in the municipalities where we work.
Pricing
Free through outreach, and at a small cost at the Family Health Clinic.
Call the Family Health Clinic on 3322 841 for more information on price.
