There are lots of misconceptions about the pill - not least the worry that it will make you make you fat, spotty and depressed. But recent developments in the pill are helping to knock those myths on the head.

It used to be thought that the estrogen Hormone in the Combined Pill might stunt growth and stop young girls reaching their full height. Some people think that if girls start taking the pill at an early age, it means that they are irresponsible and promiscuous and more likely to put themselves at risk of STDs. However, making a decision about contraception before sex is more mature and responsible than risking an unwanted pregnancy. But only condoms protect you against STD.

For the majority of women, taking the pill will not lead to depression. Although going on the pill can make the symptoms worse for women who already have very severe depression, this is a relatively rare side effect and only affects a very tiny minority of women. Because women on the pill see their doctor more often, there is a good chance that they can be diagnosed and helped sooner. (If you feel the pill is making you depressed, speak to you doctor right away).

The idea that you need to give your body a rest from taking the pill is one of the biggest misconceptions of all. If you’ve been taking the pill regularly with no side-effects, there’s really no need to give your body a break from it. If you think about it, your body has a rest from the pill every month when you have your period anyway. Even this break isn't necessary for any medical reason.

The belief that going on the pill means you’ll also have to put up with putting on weight is still pretty commonly held. It’s also thought to be the main reason that women stop taking the pill. Yet this does not have to be the case. One reason you may put on weight when you go on the pill is water retention caused by the estrogen it contains. But the good news is that simply switching to a different pill could quickly and easily take care of the problem. Yasmin is a new type of pill that contains Drospirenone, a new synthetic Progestogen, which can help you avoid fluid retention.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no connection between fertility problems and extended use of the pill. The pill is a truly reversible method of contraception, as many women who’ve become pregnant soon after coming off it can testify.