Find the Right Contraception For You
💊 NHS-funded pill service
Get the combined or mini pill delivered to your door — completely free.
📦 Discreet delivery
No appointments, no waiting rooms. Everything arrives in plain packaging.
🧠 Learn before you choose
Compare pill types, understand how they work, and find your best fit.
Combined vs Progestogen-Only Pills
Combined Pill (COC)
Hormones: Estrogen + Progestogen
How it works: Prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, thins uterine lining
Effectiveness: >99% when used correctly
Bleeding pattern: Regular withdrawal bleeds or can skip periods
Benefits: May help acne, reduce heavy/painful periods, regulate cycle
Not suitable for: People with migraines with aura, clot risk, or breastfeeding
Time-sensitive? Take daily; some flexibility with timing
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
Hormones: Progestogen only
How it works: Thickens cervical mucus, some types also suppress ovulation
Effectiveness: >99% when used correctly
Bleeding pattern: Irregular; may stop altogether over time
Benefits: Safe in breastfeeding, migraine-safe, lower clot risk
Suitable for: Smokers over 35, people avoiding estrogen
Time-sensitive? Yes — must be taken at the same time daily
Combined Pill (COC) Brands
Rigevidon
Contains: Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel
Often used as a first-line option on the NHS. 21-day pill with 7-day break. May cause spotting when starting. Well-studied and widely used.
Yasmin / Lucette
Contains: Ethinylestradiol + Drospirenone
May reduce bloating, acne, and mood swings. Slightly higher clot risk than older pills, but preferred by many for its side-effect profile.
Gedarel / Marvelon
Contains: Ethinylestradiol + Desogestrel
Third-generation combined pills. May be gentler on skin and mood. Often used when side effects are experienced with first-line options.
Progestogen-Only Pill (POP) Brands
Cerazette / Desogestrel 75mcg
12-hour window, suppresses ovulation in most users. Very popular NHS option. May lead to lighter or no periods.
Hana
Same active ingredient as Cerazette (Desogestrel 75mcg), but branded for over-the-counter use. Now available on NHS prescriptions. 12-hour window.
Norgeston / Noriday
Traditional POPs with a 3-hour window. Do not reliably stop ovulation. Better suited for those who can take pills at the same time each day.
| Feature | Combined Pill (COC) | Mini Pill (POP) |
|---|---|---|
| Contains estrogen? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Timing flexibility | Up to 24 hours | 3–12 hours (brand-specific) |
| Stops ovulation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Most brands (e.g. desogestrel) |
| Safe while breastfeeding? | ❌ Not recommended | ✅ Yes |
| Can skip or control periods? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not reliably |
Reading to get started?
Complete a short consultation to request the mini pill or combined pill – free on the NHS and delivered discreetly to your door.
