The combined pill is often just called the pill. It uses synthetic versions of two hormones called oestrogen and progesterone to stop you getting pregnant. 

There are lots of types and brands of combined pill. Well-known brands include Yasmin, Microgynon, Rigevidon and Cilique. Your doctor or nurse can help you find the right one for you.   

It is very effective when taken right. Fewer than 1 in 100 women who use the combined pill for contraception will get pregnant in any 1 year. 

Some women choose to take the progestogen-only pill or mini pill. This works in much the same way, but it only releases one hormone. 

The pill works in 3 ways. It:

  • stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) 
  • thickens the mucus in the neck of your womb (cervix), making it harder for sperm to enter 
  • thins your womb lining, so it’s tricky for a fertilised egg to take hold and grow

You take the pill every day for 21 days, at about the same time each day. You then have a break for 7 days, getting a withdrawal bleed that’s like a period, before starting the next packet. 

Some pill packets contain sugar pills to cover the 7-day break, so you do not have to count days or get out of your routine. 

You can also take the combined pill in other ways. This may include taking it for 21 days and stopping for 4 days. Or you can take the pill without a break. Speak to your doctor or nurse to discuss your options.

If you miss a pill, or if you are sick or have diarrhoea, it might not work. Always follow the instructions that come with your pill if this does happen. What to do next depends on when you last took a pill and the brand you are using.   

The pill is one of the most widely used types of contraception. Millions of women take it worldwide. 

It may not be right for you, though, if you:

  • are over 35 and smoke
  • have high blood pressure 
  • have a high BMI
  • have started to breastfeed

If any of these apply to you, you might be able to take the progestogen-only pill instead. 

Some medicines can interact badly with the pill or stop it working. Check with your doctor or nurse if you are already on medication or are prescribed something while you’re taking the pill.  

If you have certain conditions, you also should not take the pill. These include breast cancer, migraines and heart disease.  

If you are breastfeeding, you need to wait 6 weeks after giving birth to start taking the pill again.

If you feel confused about whether the pill will suit you, or which type is best for you, we can support you. Contact us or speak to your GP or nurse. 

Pros:

  • It can ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • It often makes your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful. 
  • It can improve the symptoms of endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places).
  • It sometimes improves acne.
  • It may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Studies show it lowers your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon, and may also reduce your risk of conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous (benign) breast disease.

Cons:

  • You will still need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • It has been linked with a slightly increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer, but this is very rare.
  • You can get side effects like headaches and mood swings, but these should stop after a few months. If not, you might want to try a new type of pill. 
  • There is a possible link between the pill and depression, though further research is needed. If you feel very low while taking the pill then speak to your GP or contact us as soon as you can.
  • It can raise your blood pressure. 
  • You might get spotting or bleeding between periods for the first few months.
  • The pill is only works if you take it as instructed. 

You can get the combined pill from sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and most GP surgeries.  

Use our service finder, or ring our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383.  

If you are 16 or older you can order the contraceptive pill online through our provider SH:24. You will be asked some online health questions to make sure the pill will be safe for you. You can also speak to a clinician if you have any questions. 

You need to have had your blood pressure measured in the last 12 months to order the combined pill. If you have not done this, you can often ask to have it done at a pharmacy or use a machine in a GP waiting room. 

Once SH:24 has approved your prescription, they will post you a 3-month supply of the pill on the same day (if you order before 2pm) or the next working day through first class post. You will not have to sign for the package, and it will fit through your door.

If you need the contraceptive pill quickly, you can get it from a nearby pharmacy without seeing a doctor or nurse. It’s free and easy, and they will let your GP know you’ve got the pill if you say it’s ok.

To find a pharmacy near you that offers this service, head to the NHS Pharmacy First Finder.