The pill (oral contraception)

Combined oral contraceptives contain two female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. ¹ If you are not taking the Pill, (nor pregnant), these hormones help to control your cycle, including ovulation (release of an egg from your ovaries) and your period. However, when you are pregnant, your body produces these two hormones in a way that stops any more eggs being released. Combined oral contraceptives copy this action to prevent you from getting pregnant.

Not all pills are the same. In fact, there are more than 20 different brands available! The combination of hormones varies across these brands and each pill can therefore have a different effect on your body. That means that you should aim to find a pill that suits you. Your healthcare professional will be able to help you. You take most pills every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. You take some combined oral contraceptive pills every day, to make it easier for you to remember as you don’t break your routine. Remember that if you miss a pill, your contraceptive cover could be compromised and you may have to take additional precautions, for example using a condom. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, or read the patient information leaflet in your pill pack. ¹

Taking the pill may make your monthly period lighter and shorter, as well as more regular and less painful. However sometimes, you might get breakthrough bleeding, especially when you first start on a pill. If you suffer from this, and the problem doesn’t go away, speak to your doctor or other healthcare professional, as changing to another pill may help. ¹

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Progestogen-only pills , unlike combined oral contraceptives, have no oestrogen and contain only progestogen. They work by changing the womb lining and conditions in the cervix.  They may also stop you ovulating. ² You may know these pills as the ‘mini-pill’.

You need to take progestogen-only pills every day without a break (you run pill packs back to back). Depending on which sort of progestogen-only pill you are taking, you will need to take it within 3 to 12 hours of the same time each day. If you miss a pill, always check the patient information leaflet you get with your pills, or get advice from your doctor or nurse. ² As with the combined oral contraceptive pill there are several different brands of progestogen-only pill available so you can find one that suits you best.

Side effects of taking progestogen-only pills include irregular bleeding, acne, sore breasts, and changes in libido (sex drive). Side effects such as these often settle after the first three to six months so try to stick with a pill for at least three months before switching or giving up on it. However, if you have any concerns or are experiencing more serious side effects, see your healthcare professional immediately.  Like the combined oral contraceptive pill, the progestogen-only pill is not suitable for you if you have severe circulatory or heart disease. ²

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