Oral Contraception
Oral contraception or 'the pill' is taken daily and is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Almost half of all contraceptive users take oral contraception - there are two types; the progestogen only pill (also known as “the mini pill”) and the combined pill - both contain hormones.
Combined Pill
Often just called ‘the pill’, the combined pill is a type of oral contraception that prevents pregnancy. It contains a combination of two hormones similar to those produced naturally by the body; progestogen and oestrogen.
- 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use
- The standard way to take the pill is to take 1 every day for 21 days, then have a break for 7 days
- You need to take it every day around the same time
- Can help with heavy periods or painful periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and endometriosis
Read more about the combined pill on the Contraception Choices website.
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
Often just called ‘the pill’, the progestogen-only pill is a type of oral contraception that prevents pregnancy. It contains progestogen, and no oestrogen.
- 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use
- You take a pill every day, with no break between packs of pills.
- You need to take it at the same time each day
- Periods may stop or become lighter, irregular or more frequent
Read more about the progestogen-only pill on the Contraception Choices website.
Need to order more contraceptive pills?
Order your contraceptive pill online here.
We have a blood pressure machine in the reception areas at our Haymarket Health and Loughborough Health Centre Clinics for your own use to include when ordering online pills only.
The pills prescribed are specific so please ensure that if you want more of the same pill that you check the pill name or ingredients on the website link above. If it is not the same please contact our switchboard for a telephone appointment on Tel: 0300 124 0102.
Collect contraceptive pills from your local pharmacy
Did you know you can now arrange to collect oral contraception directly from selected local pharmacies?
A pharmacist may be able to supply the contraceptive pill if you need to:
- start using the contraceptive pill for the first time
- start the contraceptive pill again after a break from taking it
- get a supply of the contraceptive pill if it’s already been prescribed to you
Click here to find a pharmacy near you that offers oral contraception.
