Used by over 200 million women since the 1960s, the Pill is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines--and has repeatedly been established as one of the least harmful ever formulated. However, there are some risks, and a number of "Pill Scares" have been reported in the media--often causing women to give up the Pill without finding a satisfactory alternative. More choices are now available than ever to users of hormonal contraception, and it can be difficult for doctors or family planning workers to find the time for detailed discussion with existing or new users. Women of all ages, whether they are existing users of or new to hormonal contraception, will find realistic, practical, and trustworthy guidance in this book to help them to make their own informed decisions. It will also be indispensable to health professionals as a concise, balanced overview. Thise user-friendly book contains extensive and unbiases advice and information on the Pill, along with other hormonal alternatives such as implants, injections, and patches. Features * Written by two leading experts in the field of Family Planning and Reproductive Health, with years of prescribing experience * Contains practical and honest information on why, how and when to take hormonal contraception, as well as which to choose * Frequently asked questions are interspersed throughout the text in boxes for readers to quickly identify the answers to common queries * Includes many clear diagrams to show the biology behind the menstrual cycle and how hormonal contraception works * Extensively updated for the seventh edition to incorporate new developments in the field, and a revised layout in order to help the reader navigate to the relevant sections quickly * Includes Key Point boxes at the start of each chapter to quickly summarise important concepts covered in the text.