Combined Pill and Mini Pill
Combined Pill
A small pill that contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen – which stop a woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation).
Pros:
- Often reduces bleeding, period pains, and pre-menstrual tension.
Cons:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May not be suitable for some women. A full medical history should be taken. It is important that you are honest.
- There may be side-effects.
- You have to remember to take it every day.
Mini Pill (or Progestogen only Pill – POP)
Contains the hormone progestogen which thickens the mucus at the opening to the womb and makes the womb an unpleasant place for a fertilised egg to attach.
Pros:
- No serious side effects
- Fertility returns to normal quite quickly after you stop taking it
Cons:
- Does not protect against STIs.
- You have to remember to take it at around the same time every day.