Things to consider
The combined pill does not protect you from STIs. You should use a condom as well if you think you are at risk of an STI.
You need to remember to take your pill every day. If you find that you often forget to take your pill, there are
long lasting contraception options
available.
Timescale
There are three main types of combined pill. You should follow the instructions in your packet as each type will be different. If you have any questions about how to take your pill, ask your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist. It's important to take the pills as instructed, because missing pills or taking them at the same time as certain medicines may make them less effective at preventing pregnancy.
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Monophasic (21-day)
This is the most common type. Each pill has the same amount of hormone in it. One pill is taken each day for 21 days and then no pills for the next 7 days.
Common brands include:
Microgynon, Brevinor and Cilest.
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Phasic (21-day)
Phasic pills contain two or three sections of different coloured pills in a pack. Each section contains a different amount of hormones. One pill is taken each day for 21 days and then no pills for the next 7 days. Phasic pills need to be taken in the right order.
Common brands include:
Binovum and Logynon.
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Every day
There are 21 active pills and 7 inactive (dummy) pills. The two types of pill look different. One pill is taken each day for 28 days with no break between packets of pills. Every day pills need to be taken in the right order.
Common brands include:
Microgynon ED and Logynon ED.
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The pill can become less effective at preventing pregnancy if:
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You have vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as the pill may not absorbed into your bloodstream.
Read more in our Questions section.
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You are taking
some medicines.
Ask a clinician or pharmacist and read the information that comes with your medicine. Always tell your doctor that you are taking the combined pill if you are prescribed any medicines.
What if?
You miss a pill:
The chance of getting pregnant depends on when the pills are missed and how many pills are missed.
Read more in our Questions section.
If you are not sure what to do, continue to take your pill and use another method of contraception, such as condoms, and seek advice from your local sexual health clinic, pharmacy or GP.
Suitability
Most women can take the combined pill, but your clinician or GP will ask about your family and medical history to determine whether or not it is the best method for you.
The combined pill is not always suitable for women who:
- Are pregnant
- Smoke (or stopped smoking less than a year ago) and are 35 or older
- Are very overweight.
It may also be unsuitable if you have or have had
certain health conditions.
Side effects & risks
Although serious side effects are not common, there are some risks associated with the combined pill.
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Common |
Rare |
Short term: |
Can cause temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings – these often improve over time but can be persistent.
Some bleeding and spotting in the first few months.
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Long term: |
Some loss of libido. Changes to skin.
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Can increase your
blood pressure.
Small increased risk of some serious health conditions, such as thrombosis (blood clots) and breast cancer or cervical cancer. These risks reduce with time after stopping the pill.
Can cause hair loss and Chloasma (dark patches over the face).
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You should discuss any concerns with your clinician or GP.