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

Find out more about taking the combined pill. 

Possible side effects

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 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

• Everyday continuously, without a break   

Find out more about taking the combined pill. 

Possible side effects

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. 

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. 

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. 

Sayana Press is the contraceptive injection we have available through our service. It’s a long-term contraceptive that contains a hormone similar to progesterone.

How you use them

Sayana Press is injected every 12-13 weeks to prevent pregnancy. You’ll inject the contraception at home into your stomach or thigh. A healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medicine. We can only prescribe Sayana Press if you have used it before or been shown how to use it.

How reliable is it?

Contraceptive injections are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, when used correctly.

Possible side effects 

Not everyone will experience side effects. However, if you do these can include acne, nausea, irregular periods and mood changes.

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. 

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 need emergency contraception, we can help with our morning-after pill service.  

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. 

“Some STIs have no symptoms so without getting tested you may not even realise you have one. Therefore it is important to consider getting tested regularly for STIs.”​​​​​​​ - Dr Bhavini Shah