The contraceptive pill is one of the most widely used methods of contraception in the UK. There are two main types: the combined pill, which contains both oestrogen and progestogen, and the progestogen-only pill (also known as the mini pill), which contains only progestogen. Both types are taken daily and, when used correctly, are over 99% successful in preventing pregnancy.
At Pharmica, we offer a wide range of combined and progestogen-only contraceptive pills with a free online prescription and fast, discreet delivery. Our prescribers will review your consultation to ensure the pill you have selected is suitable for you.
The combined contraceptive pill contains two synthetic hormones: oestrogen (usually ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel or drospirenone). It works by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg and thinning the womb lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation.
Most combined pills are taken for 21 consecutive days followed by a 7-day pill-free break, during which you will usually have a withdrawal bleed.
Combined pills available from Pharmica include:
- Rigevidon (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel)
- Microgynon (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel)
- Levest (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel)
- Yasmin (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone)
- Lucette (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone)
- Gedarel (ethinylestradiol and desogestrel)
- Marvelon (ethinylestradiol and desogestrel)
- Mercilon (ethinylestradiol and desogestrel)
The progestogen-only pill, commonly known as the mini pill, contains only one hormone: progestogen. It works primarily by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Some mini pills also stop ovulation in some cycles.
The mini pill is taken every day without a break. It may be more suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen, including those who are over 35 and smoke, who are breastfeeding or who have a history of blood clots or migraines with aura.
Mini pills available from Pharmica include:
The main differences between the combined pill and the mini pill are:
- The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen; the mini pill contains progestogen only.
- The combined pill is typically taken for 21 days with a 7-day break; the mini pill is taken every day without a break.
- The combined pill stops ovulation in every cycle; traditional mini pills (such as Noriday and Norgeston) may not always prevent ovulation, though desogestrel-based mini pills (such as Cerelle and Cerazette) do inhibit ovulation in most cycles.
- The combined pill may help with heavy or painful periods and acne; the mini pill is generally better tolerated by women who cannot take oestrogen.
- Combined pills usually require blood pressure and suitability checks during ongoing use, while progestogen-only pills generally have fewer monitoring requirements, although they still need to be assessed as suitable.
Your GP, pharmacist or prescriber can advise which type is most appropriate for you based on your medical history and lifestyle.
There are many different contraceptive pill brands available in the UK. Pills that contain the same active ingredients at the same strength are considered interchangeable, even if they have different brand names. For example, Rigevidon, Microgynon and Levest all contain levonorgestrel (150 mcg) and ethinylestradiol (30 mcg).
Common combined pill brands include Rigevidon, Microgynon, Levest, Yasmin, Lucette, Gedarel, Marvelon and Mercilon.
Common mini pill brands include Cerelle, Cerazette, Desogestrel, Lovima, Hana, Noriday and Norgeston.
There is no single "best" contraceptive pill, as the most suitable option depends on your individual health profile, preferences and how your body responds to different formulations. Factors that may influence which pill is recommended for you include your age, BMI, blood pressure, smoking status, family medical history and any existing health conditions.
If you experience side effects with one pill, switching to a different formulation may help. For example, pills containing drospirenone (such as Yasmin or Lucette) may be better tolerated by some women who experience bloating or water retention with levonorgestrel-based pills. Your GP or pharmacist can help you find the right pill for your needs.
Contraceptive Pill: Our Pharmacist's Advice
"The most common question we receive about the contraceptive pill is which one to choose. There is no single answer, as the right pill depends on your individual circumstances, including your medical history, lifestyle, how your body responds to different hormones and whether the pill remains suitable for you over time. If you have been taking a particular pill without issues, there is usually no need to change unless your circumstances or health needs have changed.
However, if you are experiencing side effects such as mood changes, headaches or breakthrough bleeding that have not settled after two to three months, it is worth speaking to your GP about trying a different contraceptive pill formulation. We recommend that women on the combined pill have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, as this is an important part of ensuring the pill remains suitable for continued use."
Some combined contraceptive pills can help to improve acne by reducing androgen levels, which can contribute to excess oil production and breakouts. Pills containing drospirenone (such as Yasmin and Lucette) are sometimes considered for women who experience hormonal acne alongside their contraceptive needs.
Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect in the patient information leaflets for many contraceptive pills. However, the NHS states that there is no clear evidence that the pill directly causes weight gain. Some women may experience minor weight fluctuations, particularly in the first few months, which may be related to water retention rather than an increase in body fat. If you are concerned about weight changes, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Side effects vary between individuals and between different pill types. Common side effects that may occur when starting a new pill include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes and breakthrough bleeding. These tend to settle within the first two to three months of use.
Combined pills carry a small increased risk of blood clots and are not suitable for everyone. The mini pill may cause irregular bleeding, particularly in the first few months. If you experience persistent or concerning side effects, consult your GP or pharmacist for advice on whether to continue or try an alternative.
You can order the contraceptive pill online from Pharmica by completing a short consultation. One of our prescribers will review your answers to ensure the pill is suitable for you. If approved, your prescription will be issued for free and your medication will be dispatched from our GPhC-registered pharmacy.
The contraceptive pill is also available free of charge on the NHS from your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic. Some pharmacies also offer certain progestogen-only pills (such as Lovima and Hana) without a prescription.
Some progestogen-only pills are available over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription. These include Hana and Lovima, both of which contain desogestrel (75 mcg). The combined pill remains prescription-only and cannot be purchased over the counter.
When you stop taking the contraceptive pill, your body will begin to return to its natural hormonal cycle. Most women will resume regular periods within one to three months, although it can take slightly longer for some. Fertility typically returns quickly, and it is possible to become pregnant in the first cycle after stopping.
Some women experience temporary changes after stopping, including irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding than before, mood fluctuations, skin breakouts or changes in appetite. These are usually short-lived as the body adjusts to producing its own hormones again. If your periods have not returned within three months of stopping the pill, speak to your GP.
There is no medical need to take a break from the contraceptive pill, and you can continue taking it for as long as it remains suitable for you. If you are considering stopping, it is worth discussing your plans with your GP or pharmacist, particularly if you intend to switch to another method of contraception.
When taken correctly, the contraceptive pill is over 99% successful in preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, where pills are occasionally missed or taken late, the success rate drops to around 91%.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, missed pills and some medicines can affect how well the pill works. For the combined pill, vomiting within 2 hours after taking a pill, or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, can reduce protection. For progestogen-only pills, the advice can vary depending on the type of pill, so you should follow the patient information leaflet for your specific brand or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
It is recommended to start the combined pill on the 1st day of your period - you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start at any other point in your cycle, you will need to use additional contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days.
To start a progestogen-only pill (other than drospirenone), it is recommended to take the pill on the 1st day of your period. However, unlike combined pill, you won't be protected from pregnancy immediately, and you should use additional contraception like condoms for the first 7 days of starting the treatment (except from Norgeston (levonorgestrel) which will offer immediate protection if taking on the 1st day of your period). Always check the patient information leaflet for your specific pill, as guidance may vary between formulations.
If you are switching from one pill to another, the timing will depend on the type of pill you are moving from and to. Your GP or pharmacist can advise on the correct approach to ensure you remain protected during the transition.