Oral contraception
Oral contraception or 'the pill' is taken daily to prevent pregnancy and is free on the NHS.
Almost half of all women take oral contraception - there are two types; the
progestogen only pill
and the
combined pill
- both contain hormones.
Your options
Progestogen only pill
The progestogen only pill (POP) is taken daily - read more about
how POP works, its benefits, side effects and risks.
Before prescribing a 3 month supply of desogestrel (84 pills), we will ask you some questions about your health - a clinician will review your answers to ensure we prescribe safely.
You may know POP as Aizea, Cerazette, Cerelle and Nacrez, but their ingredients are largely the same and they work in a very similar way.
The most common reason why people are unable to take POP is:
- taking enzyme inducing drugs (for epilepsy etc.)
We prescribe Desogestrel (75 micrograms) often called Feanolla, produced by Lupin UK; full ingredients can be found here.
Combined pill
The combined pill (COC) is taken daily - read more about
how the combined pill works, its benefits, side effects and risks.
Before prescribing a 3 month supply of ethinyoestradiol, levonorgestrel (63 pills), we will ask you a number of questions including if you smoke, your
blood pressure, your weight and height - a clinician will review your answers to ensure we prescribe safely.
You may know the combined pill as Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin and Loestrin 30, but their
ingredients are largely the same and they work in a very similar way.
The three most common reasons why people are unable to take COC are:
- suffering from migraines with aura (changes to your vision and/or pins and needles or numbness, before, during or after the headache begins)
- having high blood pressure
- a family history of blood clots.
We prescribe Levonorgestrel / Ethinylestradiol (150 micrograms / 30 micrograms) often called Levest, produced by Morningside Pharmaceuticals; full ingredients can be found here.
Other types of contraception
There are many types of contraception, so you can choose the right method for your lifestyle.
Don't be put off if the first type you use isn't quite right - you can try another.
Ordering from SH:24
We will ask you a number of health questions to assess your suitability for oral contraception - these are exactly the same questions that you would be asked by your GP or at a sexual health clinic. If you have any queries or need help when ordering, a clinician will be available to advise you.
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Once the SH:24 clinician has approved your prescription, we will post your contraception out the same day (if you order before 2pm), or the next working day (if you order after 2pm).
SH:24 provide the same oral contraception as NHS clinics and pharmacies.
We will send it in discreet packaging by 1st class Royal Mail.
You will not have to be in or sign for the package - it will fit through your letter box.
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