Combined Contraceptive Pill
There are two main types of pill which vary in hormone content and the way they work. The most widely used is the combined pill which contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.
There are also pills which have progestogen only - see fact sheet for details.
The main action of the hormones in the combined pill is to stop the ovary releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
They also thicken the fluid (mucus) at the cervix and alter the lining of the womb to make it less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
As with any contraceptive it’s effectiveness depends on how well the instructions are followed. With perfect use the combined pill is over 99% effective meaning that less than 1 woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year.
Download Fact Sheet:
The combined Contraceptive Pill.pdf 272.75 kB