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There are two types of pill, the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill

Combined pill

What is it?

The combined pill contains the hormone Oestrogen and Progestogen (sometimes called the combined pill). There are many different combined pill available. Each pack contains 21 pills. You take the pill every day for 21 days, then stop for seven days. During that week, you have your period. After seven days, you start taking the pill again.

The combined pill works by:

• Stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
• Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg
• Thinning the lining of the uterus to stop eggs from implanting

How effective is it?

The combined pill is over 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. This means that less than one woman in every 100 will get pregnant in a year

The chance of getting pregnant rises if:

• You don't take the pill correctly
• It doesn't stay in the body long enough to work, for example, when you are sick or other medications make it less effective (for example, antibiotics)

If remembering to take a pill at the same time every day could be a problem for you, why not think about Long Acting Reversible Contraception such as the implant, injection, IUD or IUS?

What are the advantages?

• It does not interrupt sex
• It can make periods regular, lighter and less painful
• When you stop using the combined pill your normal fertility will return immediately
• It can protect against cancers of the ovary, uterus and colon and some pelvic infections

What else do I need to know?

• It does not protect you against STIs so always use a condom
• May not be suitable for some women, a full medical history should be taken
• You have to remember to take the pill at the same time every day
• You may experience temporary minor side effects such as headaches, sickness, breast tenderness and mood changes

It is important to take your pill at the same time every day. If you miss a pill or have severe vomiting or diarrhoea and have had unprotected sex you may need emergency contraception. Please seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Where can I get the combined pill?

The combined pill is available from all contraceptive and sexual health clinics, some student health clinics and your GP. Find your nearest services using our Find a Service page.

Progestogen-only pill

What is it?

The Progestogen-only pill (sometimes called the mini-pill or Progestogen-only pill) contains the hormone progestogen. There are many different Progestogen-only pill available. Each pack of Progestogen-only pill contains 28 pills.

One pill is taken at the same time every day and works by:

• Stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
• Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg
• Thinning the lining of the uterus to stop eggs from implanting

How effective is it?

The Progestogen-only pill is more than 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. This means that less than one woman in every 100 will get pregnant in a year.

The chance of getting pregnant rises if:

• You don't take the pill
  
• It doesn't stay in the body long enough to work, for example, when you are sick
  
• Other medications make it less effective

If remembering to take a pill at the same time every day could be a problem for you, why not think about Long Acting Reversible Contraception such as the implant, injection, IUD or IUS?

What are the advantages?

• It does not interrupt sex
• Can be used by women who can't use contraception that contains Oestrogen
• It is safe to breastfeed whilst taking Progestogen-only pill
• When you stop using Progestogen-only pill your normal fertility will return immediately

What else should I know?

• It does not protect you against STIs so always use a condom
• May not be suitable for some women, a full medical history should be taken
• The Progestogen-only pill does not protect you against STIs so always use a condom
• You have to remember to take the pill at the same time every day
• You may experience temporary minor side effects such as headaches, sickness, breast tenderness and mood changes
• Periods may stop, be irregular, light, or more frequent

It is important to take your pill at the same time every day. If you miss a pill or have severe vomiting or diarrhoea and have had unprotected sex you may need emergency contraception. Please seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Where can I get the Progestogen-only pill?

The Progestogen-only pill is available from all contraceptive and sexual health clinics, some student health clinics and your GP. Find your nearest services using our Find a Service page.

For more information about contraception visit www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout ›