The contraceptive pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception in the UK. Taken correctly, it's more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. There are two main types, the mini pill and the combined pill, and the right one depends on your health, your age and what suits your routine. MedsRus offers both types, including the generic mini pill (desogestrel) and combined pills, after a confidential online consultation with a UK prescriber.
Mini pill vs combined pill
| Mini pill (progestogen-only) | Combined pill | |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Progestogen only | Oestrogen and progestogen |
| Our options | Desogestrel, Cerazette | Microgynon, Mercilon |
| How you take it | Every day, with no break | Usually 21 days, then a 7-day break (or fewer breaks, if agreed with your prescriber) |
| Late pill window | Up to 12 hours (desogestrel) | Up to 24 hours |
| Periods | Can become irregular, lighter or stop | Usually regular, lighter "withdrawal bleeds" |
| Suitable if you smoke and are over 35 | Usually yes | No |
| Suitable while breastfeeding | Yes | Not usually in the first 6 weeks |
The mini pill
The mini pill contains one hormone, a progestogen. Desogestrel mainly works by stopping you releasing an egg. Because it contains no oestrogen, it suits more people, including those who smoke, are over 35, have migraine with aura or are breastfeeding.
Cerazette and desogestrel contain the same medicine at the same dose. Desogestrel is the generic version.
The combined pill
The combined pill contains an oestrogen and a progestogen. It stops ovulation, and many people find it makes periods lighter, more regular and less painful. Microgynon contains levonorgestrel; Mercilon contains desogestrel and a lower dose of oestrogen.
Who can take the combined pill?
Because it contains oestrogen, the combined pill isn't suitable for everyone. It may not be right if you:
- are 35 or over and smoke;
- have a BMI of 35 or above;
- have high blood pressure;
- get migraines with aura;
- have had a blood clot, a stroke or heart disease, or a close family member had a clot at a young age;
- have had breast cancer.
That's why we ask about your health history, and for a recent blood pressure reading and your height and weight before prescribing it.
Blood clots
All combined pills slightly raise the risk of a blood clot. It's still rare: each year, about 2 in 10,000 women not on the pill get a clot, compared with about 5 to 7 in 10,000 taking a levonorgestrel pill such as Microgynon, and 9 to 12 in 10,000 taking a desogestrel pill such as Mercilon. Get urgent help if you have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
Starting the pill
- Day 1 to 5 of your period: you're protected straight away.
- Any other time: you can start if you're sure you're not pregnant, but use condoms for the first 7 days (combined pill) or 2 days (mini pill).
Take it at the same time every day. Linking it to something you already do, like brushing your teeth, helps.
If you miss a pill
Mini pill (desogestrel): if you're more than 12 hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, carry on as normal, and use condoms for the next 2 days.
Combined pill:
- One missed pill: take it as soon as you remember, even if that means two in one day, and carry on. You're still protected.
- Two or more missed pills: take the most recent one, carry on, and use condoms for 7 days. If you had unprotected sex in the past few days, you may need emergency contraception.
If you're unsure, speak to a pharmacist. Our morning after pill page explains the emergency options.
Side effects
Side effects are often mild and settle in the first 3 months:
- irregular bleeding or spotting;
- sore breasts;
- headaches;
- feeling sick;
- mood changes.
With desogestrel, about 1 in 5 people stop having periods, and others get irregular or lighter bleeding. If bleeding bothers you after 3 months, or a side effect doesn't settle, speak to us about trying a different pill.
Being sick within 3 hours of taking a pill, or having severe diarrhoea, can stop it working. If you're sick within 3 hours, take another pill as soon as you can. Some medicines, including certain epilepsy drugs and St John's Wort, can also make the pill less effective.
Other types of contraception
The pill isn't the only option. Long-acting methods such as the implant, the coil or the injection mean you don't need to remember a daily pill. Our guide to the IUD (coil) explains how it works. The pill doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections, so use condoms with new partners.
How to order the contraceptive pill from MedsRus
- Complete a confidential consultation about your health, medicines, blood pressure and weight.
- A UK prescriber reviews it and approves a suitable pill.
- We send it in plain packaging, and you can reorder before you run out.
Contraceptive pill FAQs
Which contraceptive pill is right for me?
It depends on your health and preferences. The mini pill suits more people; the combined pill can help with heavy or painful periods. The prescriber will check what's safe for you.
Does desogestrel stop periods?
About 1 in 5 people stop having periods on desogestrel. Others have irregular, lighter or occasional bleeding. It's not harmful.
Is Cerazette the same as desogestrel?
Yes. Both contain desogestrel 75 micrograms. Cerazette is the brand name.
Can I get the pill without seeing my GP?
Yes. After an online consultation, a UK prescriber can approve the pill without a GP appointment.
Do I need to take a break on the combined pill?
Not necessarily. Taking it back to back, or with fewer breaks, is safe for most people. Talk to your prescriber first.
How effective is the pill?
More than 99% with perfect use. With typical use, when pills are sometimes missed, it's about 91%.
Can I switch to a different pill?
Yes. If your pill doesn't suit you, the prescriber can suggest another one and tell you how to switch without a gap in protection.
Is Microgynon the same as Rigevidon?
Yes. Both contain the same two hormones at the same doses: levonorgestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms. They're made by different companies. We currently supply Microgynon, so if you already take Rigevidon, mention it in your consultation.
The combined pill can make periods less painful. For other options, see our page on period pain relief.
Some combined pills can help with excess hair growth. See our page on unwanted facial hair treatment.
Further reading
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