The pill

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There are two main kinds of contraceptive pill: the combined pill, and the progestogen-only pill. Both use synthetic hormones (like the ones that occur naturally in our bodies) to prevent pregnancy. They are available on prescription from a doctor at your local surgery or any sexual health clinic.

The pill is a reliable form of contraception but, unlike condoms, does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Combined pill

The combined pill contains two synthetic hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (as well as thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to travel).

A range of different brands is available, usually in packets containing 21 once-a-day tablets. This is followed by a pill-free seven days, when a withdrawal bleed happens. After that, you start another packet, and continue for as long as you want effective contraception.

When taken correctly it is almost 100% effective.

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