If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill Mr. Gore will happily discuss with you whether this should be altered or not. Taking the progesterone only pill (mini-pill) generally does not need to be stopped. It is reasonable to consider stopping an oestrogen-containing contraceptive pill a month prior to surgery to minimise the theoretical risk of blood clots after an operation performed under general anaesthesia. These rules are not absolute and Mr. Gore will happily discuss the details of this with you.