Get safe, effective contraceptive pills & birth control online
Find out which method of birth control is right for you with our online consultation. You can get clinician-approved contraceptive pills (like the combined pill) or other birth control methods (like the patch or the vaginal ring) in a few simple steps. Get up to 12 months’ protection delivered to your door, collect at over 7000 convenient ParcelShops or collect at pharmacy.
Find out which method of birth control is right for you with our online consultation. You can get clinician-approved contraceptive pills (like the combined pill) or other birth control methods (like the patch or the vaginal ring) in a few simple steps. Get up to 12 months’ protection delivered to your door, collect at over 7000 convenient ParcelShops or collect at pharmacy.
Learn more about the different types of birth control we offer. One of our clinicians will recommend the most suitable type of contraception for you.
All the contraceptives are hormonal – meaning they contain hormones to stop you getting pregnant. Used properly, they’re effective for 99% of women.
On this page
Combined pill
Combined contraceptive pills, like Yasmin, Rigevidon, Lucette and Microgynon, contain two hormones: progestogen and oestrogen. They stop you from releasing an egg (ovulating), which means you can’t get pregnant. You’ll need yearly blood pressure and BMI checks when taking this type of pill.
How you take it
With most combined pills (but not all), you take one pill every day for 21 days. Then you have a pill-free break of 4 or 7 days. During your pill-free week, you should have a withdrawal bleed or 'period'. If you have heavy or painful bleeding or get headaches or mood swings on pill-free days, you can skip the break.
You can also take the pill:
Every day for 9 weeks, followed by a 4 or 7-break
Everyday continuously
Everyday for at least 21 days, followed by a 4 or 7-day break
Side effects vary. Your blood pressure may go up. That's why you need a blood pressure check, at home or in a pharmacy, before you can take this type of pill.
After that you’ll need a blood pressure check at least once a year. There’s also a slightly increased risk of blood clots.
Low-dose combined
Low-dose pills, such as Gedarel, also contain progestogen and oestrogen – but less oestrogen than regular combined pills. This means some side effects are reduced.
How you take it
With most low-dose combined pills, you take one pill every day for 21 days. Then you have a pill-free break of 4 or 7 days. During your pill-free days, you should have a withdrawal bleed or 'period'. If you have heavy or painful bleeding, or get headaches or mood swings on pill-free days, you can skip the break.
You can also take the pill:
Every day for 9 weeks, followed by a 4- or 7-day break
Side effects vary. With a low-dose pill you’re more likely to experience irregular bleeding. Your blood pressure may go up. That's why you need a blood pressure check, at home or in a pharmacy, before you can take this type of pill. After that you’ll need a blood pressure check at least once a year.
The mini pill (progestogen-only pill or POP)
Mini pills, like Cerazette and Cerelle (or the generic version Desogestrel), only contain the hormone progestogen. This can be a good option if you:
can’t take the combined pill
are overweight
have had blood clots
have high blood pressure
How you take it
You take one pill a day. It’s very important to take it at the same time, every day. Unlike with combined pills, there’s no pill-free break.
Possible side effects
The most likely side effect is irregular bleeding. But this should settle down within three months of starting the pill. There’s no need for blood pressure or BMI checks with the mini pill.
Contraceptive patch and vaginal ring
Like the combined pill, both the patch and the ring contain the hormones progestogen and oestrogen. They are just delivered into your body differently.
How you use them
You wear the contraceptive patch (Evra) on your skin, anywhere clean and dry. It’s about 5cm square. You change it once a week.
If you choose the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), you insert this into your vagina yourself. Don’t worry, it’s easy to do. You change it every 3 weeks, on the same day at the same time.
Normally, you use a patch or ring for 21 days, then take a break for 4 or 7 days. You should have a withdrawal bleed or ‘period’ during this week.
But you can also use them:
For 9 weeks followed by a 4 -or 7-day break
Continuously, with no break
How reliable are they?
Used properly, the patch and ring are 99% effective. Plus, they’re not affected by stomach upsets – and you don’t have to remember to take a pill each day.
Of course, there’s a risk the patch might come unstuck or the ring dislodged. So, it’s best to check it regularly. If you replace it straight away, you should still be protected.
Possible side effects
Most people don’t get any side effects. But headaches, skin irritation, nausea and tender breasts are the most common ones. There’s also a slightly higher risk of blood clots.
All the hormonal contraceptives below are 99% effective if used properly. Select filters to find a suitable option. Need emergency contraception? We can help with our morning-after pill service.
Here are your recommended treatments based on your answers
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Unless you want the mini pill you'll need recent (within the last 12 months) measurements of your height, weight and blood pressure.
Microgynon 30
Microgynon 30
A branded combined contraceptive pill. It's reliable and effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£20.00
12 months
£37.00
Combined
Cerazette
Cerazette
Cerazette is an effective branded mini pill or POP (progestogen-only pill). It's a good alternative to combined contraceptive pills for women who are over 35 or smoke.
Take daily with no pill break
No need for blood pressure, height and weight checks
Progestogen-only can mean fewer side effects
3 months
£20.00
6 months
£30.00
12 months
£60.00
Mini
Desogestrel
Desogestrel
Desogestrel is a non-branded progestogen-only pill, sometimes called a mini pill. When taken perfectly it’s up to 99% effective.
Take daily with no pill break
No need for blood pressure, height and weight checks
Progestogen-only can mean fewer side effects
3 months
£15.00
6 months
£20.00
12 months
£40.00
Mini
Evra Patch (Contraceptive Patch)
Evra Patch (Contraceptive Patch)
An effective contraceptive patch worn on the skin and changed weekly. 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
Apply to skin weekly
Combined contraceptive with less chance of side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£30.00
6 months
£50.00
12 months
£100.00
Gedarel 20
Gedarel 20
Gedarel 20 is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill. When taken correctly, it's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Low dose can mean fewer side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£20.00
6 months
£25.00
12 months
£50.00
Low dose
Yasmin
Yasmin
Yasmin is a reliable combined contraceptive pill. When taken correctly, it's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It can be taken in a variety of ways.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£26.00
6 months
£46.00
12 months
£91.00
Combined
Rigevidon
Rigevidon
Rigevidon is an effective generic combined contraceptive pill. It's the generic version of Microgynon. When taken correctly it's 99% effective.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£15.00
6 months
£19.00
12 months
£36.00
Combined
Eloine
Eloine
Eloine is a an effective low-dose contraceptive pill that contains less oestrogen than the regular combined pill. It's 99% effective when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Low dose can mean fewer side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£25.00
6 months
£45.00
12 months
£90.00
Low dose
Lucette
Lucette
A reliable combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. It's 99% effective as birth control when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£19.00
6 months
£29.00
12 months
£58.00
Combined
Femodette
Femodette
Femodette is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill. Taken correctly, it's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Low dose can mean fewer side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£46.00
Low dose
Ovranette
Ovranette
Ovranette is an effective generic combined contraceptive pill. The generic version of Microgynon, it's reliable and 99% effective when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
Out of stock
6 months
Out of stock
12 months
Out of stock
Combined
Noriday
Noriday
An effective progestogen-only mini pill containing norethisterone. Taken at the same time every day, it prevents pregnancy in 99% of cases.
Take daily with no pill break
No need for blood pressure, height and weight checks
Progestogen-only can mean fewer side effects
3 months
Out of stock
6 months
Out of stock
12 months
Out of stock
Mini
Norgeston
Norgeston
An effective progestogen-only mini pill containing levonorgestrel. Taken at the same time every day, it prevents pregnancy in 99% of cases.
Take daily with no pill break
No need for blood pressure, height and weight checks
Progestogen-only can mean fewer side effects
3 months
£10.00
6 months
£15.00
12 months
£30.00
Mini
Gedarel 30
Gedarel 30
Gedarel 30/150 is a full dose combined contraceptive pill, which acts as an effective method of birth control.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£15.00
6 months
£25.00
12 months
£50.00
Combined
Millinette 20/75
Millinette 20/75
Millinette 20/75 is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill. When taken correctly it's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Low dose can mean fewer side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£15.00
6 months
£25.00
12 months
£45.00
Low dose
Microgynon 30 ED
Microgynon 30 ED
A combined 'every day' contraceptive pill that's easy to remember to take. Contains a 3-week supply of active pills and a 1-week supply of larger inactive pills (with no active ingredients).
Take 1 pill daily (21 active and 7 inactive pills in pack)
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
Out of stock
6 months
Out of stock
12 months
Out of stock
Combined
Marvelon
Marvelon
A reliable contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. Marvelon is 99% effective as birth control.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£51.00
Combined
Mercilon
Mercilon
Mercilon is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill that's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Low dose can mean fewer side effects
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£21.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£51.00
Low dose
Qlaira
Qlaira
Qlaira is a daily combined contraceptive pill that varies your hormone levels during your cycle. When taken correctly it's 99% effective.
Take 1 pill every day, guided by included weekday stickers
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£40.00
6 months
£60.00
12 months
£120.00
Combined
NuvaRing
NuvaRing
A contraceptive ring, placed inside the vagina. It steadily releases hormones, preventing unwanted pregnancy.
No daily pill or application to remember
Flexible, easy to insert and remove
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£40.00
Logynon
Logynon
A tri-phasic combined contraceptive pill that's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. Logynon causes fewer side effects for some women.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£15.00
6 months
£20.00
12 months
£40.00
Combined
Norimin
Norimin
Norimin is a reliable combined contraceptive pill. It's easy to take and effective in 99% of cases when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£10.00
6 months
£15.00
12 months
£30.00
Combined
Brevinor
Brevinor
A reliable combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and norethisterone. Taken correctly, it's an effective form of birth control.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£20.00
6 months
£30.00
12 months
£60.00
Combined
Femodene
Femodene
The 21-day variation of Femodene ED, containing the same ingredients. It has the same contraceptive effect and is a reliable branded birth control pill.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£46.00
Combined
Norinyl-1
Norinyl-1
Norinyl-1 is a combined contraceptive pill. It's a reliable form of birth control when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
3 months
£10.00
6 months
£15.00
12 months
£30.00
Combined
Katya
Katya
Katya is the generic version of the combined contraceptive pill Femodene. It works in the same way, is effective birth control, and has the same side effects.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£46.00
Combined
Femodene ED
Femodene ED
A combined 'every day' contraceptive pill that's easy to remember to take. Contains a 3-week supply of active pills and a 1-week supply of larger inactive pills (with no active ingredients).
Take 1 pill daily (21 active and 7 inactive pills in pack)
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
3 months
£16.00
6 months
£26.00
12 months
£46.00
Combined
Cilique
Cilique
A reliable combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and norgestimate.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
3 months
£20.00
6 months
£30.00
12 months
£60.00
Combined
Millinette 30/75
Millinette 30/75
Millinette 30/75 is a combined contraceptive pill. It's 99% effective as birth control when taken correctly.
Take daily for 21 days, with a 4 or 7-day break
Combines progestogen and oestrogen
Need yearly blood pressure, height and weight measurements
Most types of hormonal contraceptives can have side effects. These vary from person to person. If your contraceptive pill doesn’t suit you, try another. In the end, most women find a contraceptive that suits them.
One possible side effect of hormonal contraception is an increase in blood pressure. This can be dangerous.
Please call NHS 111 if you notice any of these side effects:
Blurred vision
Nose bleeds
Dizziness
Chest pain
Headaches
Shortness of breath
If you think it’s urgent, go to your nearest A&E.
What to do if something goes wrong
You might forget to take your pill. Your patch might come off, or your ring may be dislodged. What to do next depends on the contraceptive you’re using.
Check the contraceptive information page on our site or the leaflet that came with it. Alternatively, message us from your Patient Record, or contact your GP or family planning or sexual health clinic.
If you're taking contraception like the pill, patch or ring, they don't stop you catching STIs. You will still need to use condoms to protect yourself.
If you've had unprotected sex, you might want to get an STI test. You can order at-home STI test kits from Online Doctor. We'll send the kit with everything you need to take the test and send it back to the lab for analysis. You'll usually get your results within three working days of the kit arriving in the lab.
Doctors recommend that everyone gets tested every six months, or every time you have a new sexual partner.
Using our contraception service
Watch the video to find out more about how the service works. Make the most of our discreet, convenient online contraception service.
On this page
Delivery and collection information
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Standard delivery - Free
Delivered within 2-3 working days.
If you're not going to be in you can update your delivery preferences in the courier's app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place.
Next-day delivery - £4.95
Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days.
Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.
If you're not going to be in you can update your delivery preferences in the courier's app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place.
Standard ParcelShop collection - Free
Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.
Evri will let you know when your order is on its way. You will need to sign for your parcel when you collect it.
Next-day ParcelShop collection - £2.95
Evri will let you know when your order is on its way. You will need to sign for your parcel when you collect it.
It will be available to collect - Next day, if ordered before 5pm Monday - Friday.
Monday, if ordered after 5pm Friday up to 12pm Sunday. Tuesday, if ordered after 12pm on Sunday.
Same-day collection - Free
Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day*.
*Please note this is subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.
Our contraception specialists
Based in our London office, our doctors, independent pharmacists and nurses have years of experience in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or community pharmacies. Any of our team is qualified to give you advice, a prescription, or aftercare, but some have a special interest in contraception or a related field.