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Combined pill

SUMMARY

Often called “the pill”
A daily pill that contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.
To be effective, it needs to be taken at around the same time each day.

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How it works

Stops the egg from being released by the ovaries.
Thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

Effectiveness

With perfect use, it’s about 99% effective.
With typical use, it’s around 91% effective.
It can take up to 7 days to start working, so you may need extra protection at first.

Advantages

Can help regulate periods, often making them lighter, more regular, and less painful.
Can also help manage acne, PMS, or heavy bleeding for some people.
Easily available with a prescription from a doctor or nurse, and can be picked up at most pharmacies.

Things to keep in mind

You need to take it every day at roughly the same time for it to work properly.
It doesn’t protect against STIs, so using condoms as well is recommended.
Some people experience side effects such as nausea, mood changes, or breast tenderness, though these often settle after a few months.

Will anyone know I’m using it?

The pill comes in a packet, which may be easy for others to recognise.
Some people choose to remove the pills from the packet and store them in another container to make them less obvious.
It can also become less effective if exposed to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight, so it’s important to store it properly.

Could someone tamper with it?

Yes, pills could be found and thrown away by someone else.
If you ever miss or lose a pill, there are clear instructions online and from your pharmacist about what to do. Sometimes, you might need to use emergency contraception.

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