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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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The_pill
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1992-09-01
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Commonly used term for the contraceptive
pill, based on female hormones. The combined
pill, which contains oestrogen and
progesterone, stops the production of eggs,
and makes the mucus produced by the cervix
hostile to sperm. It is the most effective
form of contraception apart from
sterilization, being more than 99% effective.
The minipill or progesterone-only pill
prevents implantation of a fertilized egg
into the wall of the uterus. The minipill has
a slightly higher failure rate, especially if
not taken at the same time each day, but has
fewer side effects and is considered safer
for long-term use. Possible side effects of
the pill include migraine or headache and
high blood pressure. More seriously,
oestrogen-containing pills can slightly
increase the risk of a blood clot forming in
the blood vessels. This risk is increased in
women over 35 if they smoke. Controversy
surrounds other possible health effects of
taking the pill. The evidence for a link with
breast cancer is slight, and the pill
protects women from cancer of the ovaries and
womb. Once a woman ceases to take it, there
is an increase in the chance of conceiving
identical twins.