Daily Contraception
Combined pill (COC)
The combined pill is usually just called ‘the pill’. It contains two hormones – estrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries. There are different types of combined pill and different ways to take it.
Effectiveness: The pill is most effective when used perfectly. It’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy with perfect use and 91% effective with typical use.
Remember regularly: You have to take the pill every day at around the same time.
Periods: Depending on how you take the combined pill, it may make periods more regular, lighter and less painful, or your periods may stop all together. May also help with premenstrual symptoms.
STI protection: No. Use external condoms or internal condoms to help protect yourself from STIs.
Progestogen-only pill (POC)
Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain a progestogen hormone. This is similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. POPs are different to combined pills because they don’t contain the hormone estrogen.
Effectiveness: The POP is most effective when used perfectly. It’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy with perfect use and 91% effective with typical use.
Remember regularly: You have to take the pill every day at the same time.
Periods: May become irregular, stop or last longer. The POP may help with heavy, painful periods.
STI protection: No. Use external condoms or internal condoms to help protect yourself from STIs.