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.