Combined pill
The combined pill, also called the pill, is a type of hormonal contraception. It’s very effective at preventing pregnancy and great if you want more control over your bleeding pattern.
It can help with the symptoms of acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and bad period pains. But it’s not suitable for everyone.
Some pharmacies can give you the combined pill without a prescription - find an approved pharmacy
You can get the pill prescribed by your GP or a sexual health clinic
Hormones
Oestrogen and progestogen.
Frequency
Take one pill a day.
Effectiveness
Over 99% if you take it correctly all the time.
STI protection
No.
Periods
Can give you control over when you have a period.
Getting started
You’ll need a consultation with a pharmacist, doctor or nurse. This can be done online. You’ll need to share your height, weight and a recent blood pressure reading and answer some questions about your health.
More information
For information on who can take this pill, what side effects you might experience and more, read the full guide on SH:24.
3 safe ways to take the combined pill:
To bleed every month
take a pill every day for 21 days, until you’ve finished the packet
stop for 4 or 7 days. You’ll bleed during the break
start the next packet after 4 or 7 days without pills, even if you’re still bleeding
To bleed a few times a year
take a pill every day until you’ve finished 3 packets, a total of 9 weeks
stop for 4 or 7 days. You’ll bleed during the break
start the next packet after 4 or 7 days, even if you’re still bleeding
To avoid a regular bleed
take a pill every day, for at least 21 days and continue to take the pill daily after that. Go straight from one packet to the next without a break
it’s not unusual to have a little bit of irregular bleeding but if it goes on for more than 4 days, stop the pill for 4 days
continue taking the pill from where you stopped
Do you need help with something else?
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