Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Combined contraceptive pill

The combined contraceptive pill is one of the most common contraceptive (birth control) choices in the UK.  If the pills are taken properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, the combined pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

The combined pill is made up of two hormones called progestogen and oestrogen. It can be taken either for 21 days in a row, followed by a seven-day break, or for 28 days (the everyday pill).

In some 21-day brands, each pill contains an equal dose of hormones.  In others, called phasic pills, the pills contain varying amounts of oestrogen and progestogen and must be taken in the right order.  Packets for this type of pill are often colour-coded to show the order the pills should be taken in.

The everyday pill is taken each day of the 28-day menstrual cycle with no break in between packets.  The first pill of a new pack must be taken the day after the last pill in the old pack.  Everyday pills must be taken in the right order as the packet contains seven inactive pills.

• What is it used for?
• How does it work?
• Who can use it?
• Advantages
• Disadvantages

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