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
The pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen hormone and is taken by mouth
- 91% effective with typical use
- Taken every day for at least 3 weeks, with or without a break
- You can control when or whether you bleed, and it often makes periods lighter and less painful
Read more about the combined pill on the Contraception Choices website.
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
The pill contains a progestogen hormone and is taken by mouth
- 91% effective with typical use
- You need to take it every day, continuously
- Periods can stay the same, stop, or be frequent or irregular
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.
