'Marvelon' oral contraceptive pills, Europe, 1981-1985
‘Marvelon’ is a type of ‘third generation’ oral contraceptive pill. Third generation pills have slightly different combinations of hormones than earlier brands. In the mid-1990s, third generation pills were thought to increase the risk of blood clotting. However, research has now found the risk of blood clotting was lower than in pregnancy.
Object number:
1987-799/179
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: hormone
A substance produced in one part of the body which passes into the bloodstream and is then carried to other (distant) organs or tissues, where it acts to modify their structure or function
Glossary: contraception
The use of methods and techniques to prevent pregnancy from sex.
Glossary: blood clotting
Where the blood changes within the body from a liquid to a solid state and produces a mass of clotted blood which can restrict blood flow.
Glossary: oral contraceptive pill
A drug containing hormones, taken to stop pregnancy.
Glossary: tablet
Also known as a pill, it is made by compressing a powdered form of one or more drugs. It is usually taken by mouth, but may be inserted into a different body cavity.