The Pill
There are two types of pill – Combined and Progestogen-only
Combined Pill (COC)
What is the combined pill?
A pill containing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen that you take daily.
How effective is it?
If used according to the instructions in the pack it is over 99% effective.
Advantages
- Can often reduce bleeding, period pain and pre-menstrual symptoms.
- Don’t have to think about contraception at time of intercourse.
- Fertility returns to normal once you stop using it.
Disadvantages
- Missing the pill, vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.
- Have to remember to take it
- It doesn’t protect against STIs
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)
What is it?
A pill containing the hormone progestogen that you take daily.
How effective is it?
If used according to the instructions in the pack it is over 99% effective.
Advantages
- Some women cannot go on the combined pill for health reasons but they may be able to use the POP pill
Disadvantages
- This pill has to be taken every day and in strict time limits which means if you are late taking your pill, you can make it less effective.
- Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.
- It doesn’t protect against STIs
