Contraception

Oral contraceptive pills are the most popular form of regular contraception available. Proven to be almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, they are the preferred form of contraception for more than 3.5 million women across the UK. There are almost 30 different types of oral contraception available, so that women can find the right contraceptive pill, without experiencing side effects.

HealthExpress offers a wide range of contraceptive pills, including Yasmin, Dianette and Microgynon, so that you can find the right contraceptive for you. We also offer effective alternatives to the pill, the contraceptive ring and patch, which work in the same way as the pill, but without daily doses. All you need to do is complete one of our online consultations and we can help you to find the perfect contraceptive solution.

Find out more about our full range of hormonal contraceptive treatments.

What are the benefits of oral contraception?

Oral contraceptive pills are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them the most successful form of contraception available. They're very convenient to take; simply swallow one pill at the same time each day and you can enjoy sex without worrying about becoming pregnant. Most contraceptive pills need to be taken daily for three weeks, followed by a one week break, before recommencing use.

There are more than 30 types of contraceptive pill available, as well as alternatives, such as the contraceptive patch or ring. This helps women to find their ideal contraceptive solution, with the minimum of side effects. Many contraceptive pills carry additional benefits and can be used to treat other problems, such as:

• Acne
• Painful periods
• Heavy periods
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Endometriosis

How does oral contraception work?

Most oral contraceptive pills use a combination of two different hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation; the maturation and release of an egg from the ovaries. They also work by affecting the cervical mucous, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb, and by altering the lining of the womb, making it less receptive to an embryo.

What types of contraceptive pill are there and how do I take them?

There are three main types of oral contraception:

Monophasic pills

These are the most common type of contraception available. One pill is taken each day for 21 days and then no pills are taken for the next seven days. Microgynon and Cilest are both types of monophasic pills.

Phasic pills

Phasic pills use more than one dose of hormones. Biphasic pills come with two different doses, and Triphasic come pills with three. The pills must be taken in order over a 21 day period, followed by a seven day break. Examples are Binovum and Logynon.

Every Day (ED) pills

ED pills come in packs of 28, with 21 active pills and seven inactive 'dummy pills' in each pack. This is designed to help you develop an uninterrupted routine for taking your daily contraception. You take one pill each day with no break; however, you must remember to take these pills in order. Examples are Microgynon ED and Logynon ED.

You may also have heard of the mini-pill; this is a low strength variation of the ordinary pill which contains only one hormone. It should cause fewer side effects, but may be marginally less effective.

Are there any side effects?

Many women have concerns regarding oral contraception because of the potential side effects. It's true that women starting the contraceptive pill for the first time can experience side effects; however, these are relatively minor and pass fairly quickly. Initial side effects you can experience include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Slight weight gain
• Slight 'spotting' of blood between periods
• Changes in your mood

Picking the right contraceptive is paramount in reducing any potential side effects and you may need to try more than one before you find a pill that works well for you. Anyone with any of the following health problems may be restricted as to which type of contraception they can use:

• Smoking addiction
• Being overweight
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history of thrombosis
• High cholesterol levels
• Vein inflammation, such as phlebitis
• Immobility

How do I buy daily contraception online?

HealthExpress can help you to pick the right oral contraceptive pill, mini-pill, patch or ring, by using our free, no obligation online consultation service. Your consultation form will be examined by one of our doctors, so that you can get the right medical advice without the inconvenience or potential embarrassment of making a face-to-face appointment with your doctor. Once the consultation has been reviewed, you will be able to make an informed choice from a selection of suitable contraceptives.

Start Your Free Online Consultation Now