'Ovysmen' oral contraceptive pills, England, 1982
Monophasic pills such as ‘Ovysmen’ are taken for 21 days with a week in between packets. The pill suppresses ovulation, which is the release of eggs into the womb. They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb. Each pill contains the same amount of oestrogen. Oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy. However, extra precautions are needed to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The pills are shown with other oral contraceptives.
Object number:
1986-1248/616/1
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: contraception
The use of methods and techniques to prevent pregnancy from sex.
Glossary: sexually transmitted infection
Any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse. STIs include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, some chlamydia infections and genital herpes.
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.