If, however, you’re committed to hormonal contraceptives, there are ways you can protect your gut and your uterus at the same time.

Focus on gut-friendly foods

“You can support the mucosal lining in the gut by making sure you eat plenty of foods containing glutamine and arginine, such as chicken, fish, eggs and tofu, as well as a healthy dose of vitamin A and zinc, which supports the gut lining,” says Hope.

Eat the rainbow

“Brightly coloured vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and kale are great sources of Vitamin A, while shellfish, beans, nuts and seeds all have a good supply of zinc.”

A healthy gut microbiome is all about diversity, so consuming a wide variety of fruit and vegetables is advisable, with Hope recommending 30-50 different types a week; remember this includes herbs, spices, nuts and seeds, so it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve.

Reduce sugar and booze (if possible)

As ever, reducing your sugar intake and limiting alcohol will be beneficial.

Concentrate on stress relief

Patel recommends: “Manage your stress levels and do something daily that brings you joy, even if it’s something as simple as listening to a favourite playlist, having a soak in the bath or just taking 10 minutes to enjoy a cuppa. Meditation and getting out for a walk in the fresh air after a meal are both great. Remember, stress, sleep, diet and hydration are all key in how robust your gut microbiome is, so a holistic, whole-body approach is best.”

Contraception and gut health: is the pill having an adverse impact on our microbiomes?