Combined contraceptive pill
The combined contraceptive pill is often referred to as just ‘the pill’. The pills contain a combination of hormones which work together to help prevent pregnancy. The combined pill works to:
- Stop you releasing eggs (this is called ovulation)
- Thicken the mucus at the entrance to your womb (uterus), so that sperm can’t get through
- Thin the lining of the wall of your womb so if an egg is fertilised egg it can’t implant and grow
- The pill can make periods lighter, more regular and less painful
- It’s easy to start and stop, and you can control when you bleed – but you need to take it correctly (see missed pill info)
- There are different types of pill and ways to take them. The most common is the 21-day pill: take one pill every day for 21 days, then have a 7-day break. You can find out more about pill breaks here.
- If you miss or forget a pill, it won’t work as well. See our missed pill guide for more information
- The pill has great benefits but isn’t right for everyone. You’ll need a health check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist first
- Some people get side effects at first, like sore breasts, feeling sick or spotting, but these usually go away within 3 months
- The pill doesn’t protect against STIs – you’ll still need condoms for that
- Want to learn more? Visit the Contraception Choices website
Oral contraception is free from NHS services.
You can get the combined pill from:
- Sexual health clinics
- GPs
- Community pharmacies – find out more about how this service works here
- Online services
Pharmacists can help with:
- starting oral contraception for the first time
- restarting oral contraception following a pill-free break
- your ongoing supply
- emergency contraception (you may need to check that the pharmacist is there before visiting)
You do not need to be registered with a GP to access this service.
To find your local contraception services use our find a service tool.
