To ensure effectiveness, take your contraceptive pill at the same time every day. The exact way you take it depends on the pill type and brand:

• Combined Pill (21 active pills): Take a 7-day break between packs unless you're taking it continuously (without a break).
• Combined Pill (21 active pills + 7 dummy pills): No break is needed between packs.
• Mini Pill: No break between packs.

Some pills require strict timing, while others are more flexible. It's best to consult your doctor to find the option that suits your lifestyle.

What to do if you miss a pill:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills together.
• Depending on the type of pill (combined or mini) and when you missed it, you may need additional contraception. Check with our doctor's guide on what to do if you miss a pill.

How long does the pill take to start working?

• The pill generally becomes effective after 7 days of use, regardless of when you start.
• If you start on days 1 to 5 of your period, the pill works immediately.
• If you start after day 5, use an alternative contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days for the combined pill or the first 2 days for the mini pill.

When taken correctly at the same time every day, the contraceptive pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that about 1 in 100 people using the pill will become pregnant in a year. However, in real life, the effectiveness drops to about 91% due to factors such as:

• Forgetting to take the pill
• Taking it at the wrong time of day
• Being sick or having diarrhea
• Taking other medications that reduce the pill's effectiveness

The contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy in three main ways:

1. It stops your body from releasing an egg from your ovaries (ovulation) each month.
2. It thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it harder for sperm to pass through and fertilize an egg.
3. It thins the inner lining of your womb, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach and grow.

The hormones in the pill can also cause side effects, but they may help improve acne, and make periods lighter and less painful. Some people use the pill for these benefits, even if they’re not trying to prevent pregnancy.

It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor before starting the pill to find the best choice for you.

The possible side effects of contraceptive pills are similar across different brands, but the experience of side effects can vary from person to person.

Side effects of combined contraceptive pills:

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting (more common with continuous dosing or extended-cycle pills)
• Breast tenderness
• Elevated blood pressure
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Bloating

Side effects of the mini pill:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Acne
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased sex drive (libido)
• Depression
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Ovarian cysts

There are several contraceptive options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Hormonal Implant
A small tube placed under the skin of your upper arm that releases the hormone progesterone to prevent pregnancy.

Intrauterine Device (IUD or Copper Coil)
Inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, this device prevents pregnancy without hormones.

Hormonal Coil (IUS)
Similar to the copper coil, but releases hormones to prevent pregnancy and may make periods lighter, shorter, and less painful.

Depo-Provera Hormonal Injection
A hormone injection given every 8 to 13 weeks to prevent pregnancy.

Hormone Patch
A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones similar to those in combined contraceptive pills. It is up to 99% effective when used correctly.

Vaginal Hormonal Ring
A small ring inserted into the vagina that releases oestrogen and progestogen, similar to the hormones in combined contraceptive pills.

Diaphragm
A hormone-free barrier method, the diaphragm is a soft, latex-free dome made of silicone that is inserted into the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix.

Cervical Cap
A silicone, dome-shaped cup placed inside the vagina at the base of the cervix, often used with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.

Male Condom
A covering worn over the penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. It is effective at preventing pregnancy and protecting against STIs.

Female Condom
A lubricated sheath inserted into the vagina that blocks sperm from reaching the cervix.

Withdrawal (Pull Out Method)
An unreliable method where the man removes his penis from the vagina before ejaculating. It does not protect against STIs and can still result in pregnancy.

Each method offers different levels of effectiveness and protection against STIs, and should be considered based on personal needs and preferences.

Can the pill make me bleed between periods?
Bleeding between periods is a common side effect, especially with the mini pill. Although it can be inconvenient, this is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to improve after a few months as your body adjusts. If bleeding persists for more than three months, or becomes heavy or concerning, consult your doctor to rule out other causes. For further details, read our doctor's advice on how the pill affects bleeding.

I didn’t get my period while taking the pill. Am I pregnant?
The pill is over 99% effective, so if you take it correctly, pregnancy is unlikely. Missing a period does not necessarily mean you're pregnant. Some pills, particularly the mini pill, can cause periods to be skipped or delayed. For more information on how to tell if you're pregnant while on the pill, and what to do, read our doctor's advice.

Can I switch to a different pill?
Yes, there are many types of contraceptive pills available. If the pill you're using isn't suitable, you can switch to another. However, it's important to consult your doctor to determine the best pill for you and how to switch safely. For guidance, read our doctor's advice on switching contraceptive pills.

Does the pill cause weight gain?
While some women report weight gain while using the pill, there is no clinical evidence to support that the pill directly causes it. However, oestrogen can lead to water retention, and progesterone may increase appetite, which could contribute to weight gain. For more details, read our doctors' views on weight gain and the pill.

How long will it take to get pregnant after taking the pill?
The pill has no long-term effect on fertility. Your fertility should return to normal shortly after stopping the pill, and you may become pregnant as soon as you stop taking it. For some women, it may take a few months for periods to regulate.

Will the contraceptive pill stop my period?
The combined contraceptive pill can delay your period if you take two packs back-to-back, which will postpone it for about 3 weeks. Brands like Microgynon, Rigevidon, and Yasmin allow you to do this. If you're not using the combined pill, or are on the mini pill, medications like Norethisterone or Provera can delay your period for up to 17 days. Visit our period delay service for more information.

Can I take antibiotics on the pill?
Most antibiotics do not interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. However, some less common antibiotics can reduce its effectiveness, especially if they cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Always inform your doctor if you're taking the pill when prescribed antibiotics. For more guidance on taking the pill with antibiotics, read our doctors' advice.