News by Subject

The Pill 'affects choice of partner'

(The Scotsman 09/10/2009)

THE use of the contraceptive pill may cause women to choose less masculine men as partners, research has found. The study also found that taking the pill may make women less attractive to men. Scientists have raised fears that these effects of the Pill may have an impact on future generations by affecting the ability of couples to reproduce. Previous studies have found that ovulating women prefer partners with more masculine features and are particularly attracted to men showing dominance.

Read background >>
Read NHS analysis >>
Comment on this story >>

Many women 'not on safest pill'

(BBC 14/08/2009)

Many women are not taking the safest brand of the pill, say researchers. Two separate studies in the British Medical Journal found that some oral contraceptives were linked with a higher risk of blood clot than others. But experts stressed that blood clots are a rare side-effect of the combined pill and the risk overall is small, whichever brand is used. Women should not stop taking it but speak to a doctor if they are worried, the Family Planning Association said.

Read background >>
Read NHS analysis >>
Comment on this story >>

Pill to be given out by chemists

(BBC 10/12/2008)

Women and girls aged over 16 will be able to get the pill at two London primary care trusts, Southwark and Lewisham, Pulse magazine says. If the pilots are successful, the pill could become available over the counter like the morning after pill. Officials say this might help reduce the UK's high teen pregnancies.

Read background >>
Comment on this story >>

Why women can't sniff out Mr Right when they take the Pill - and how it affects us all

(The Independent 13/08/2008)

It was an experiment that involved sweat, love... and could have ended in tears. When 100 women were asked to sniff 100 men's sweaty shirts in the interests of discovering the secrets of sexual attraction, they found the contraceptive Pill disrupted their ability to select the ideal partner.

Read background >>
Comment on this story >>

Web access to contraceptive pill

(BBC 23/06/2008)

A UK-based online medical service has been launched offering the contraceptive pill without the need to visit a doctor.

Read background >>
Comment on this story >>

Sex services in schools defended

(BBC 22/06/2008)

Parents are not being left in the dark over sexual health services available to pupils, a national umbrella group says.

Read background >>
Comment on this story >>