There are a variety of different contraceptive methods that are used to prevent pregnancy, a common choice of contraception for women is to take the contraceptive pill.
In this article, discover the differences between the two types of contraceptive pills to help you decide which is more suitable for you.
HOW DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL WORK?
The contraceptive pill works by thickening the mucus in the womb to stop sperm from getting through to the egg, it also makes the lining of the womb thinner to stop an egg from implanting.
If the contraceptive pill is taken correctly, it can be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, it doesn’t stop you from contracting a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), so you should still wear a condom when having sex with a new partner.
There are two types of contraceptive pills, the Combined Pill and the Progestogen-only Pill (also called the mini pill).
WHAT IS THE COMBINED PILL?
The Combined Pill, also referred to simply as ‘the pill’, contains synthetic versions of the hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone. The combination of these two hormones helps to prevent pregnancy.
The Combined Pill can help people who suffer from painful or heavy periods, severe Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), or endometriosis.
HOW TO TAKE THE COMBINED PILL
The pill should be taken around the same time every day for a cycle of 21 days. You then have a break of 7 days where you will bleed, similar to a period. You then start your next packet of pills again on the 8th day, even if you are still bleeding.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MISS A DOSE?
If you miss one dose, take the medication as soon as you remember, even if you end up taking two in one day. You should still be protected against pregnancy.
However, if you miss two or more doses, you should take the last pill that you missed even if you end up taking two in one day (do not take any earlier pills you have missed). Then carry on taking your pills as normal.
Please note you will be less protected from pregnancy, so you should use extra forms of contraception over the next seven days.
WHAT IS THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL?
The Progestogen-only Pill, also known as ‘the mini pill’ or ‘POP’, only contains the synthetic hormone progesterone.
This medication is suitable for women who can’t take Oestrogen, this includes people who take certain medications and have medical conditions, such as a predisposition to blood clots or heart abnormalities.
The mini pill is taken every day and doesn’t guarantee your period to stop completely, it can just make them lighter or change their frequency.
To find out more about the Progestogen-only Pill, read our simple guide to the progesterone-only pill (POP).
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose and it’s been less than 12 hours since you took the medication last, you can still take that dose and then take another pill again at the usual time the next day.
But if you’ve missed a dose and it’s been more than 12 hours since you last took the medication, you will be unprotected against pregnancy. It is therefore advised that you continue to take your pills but also use an additional form of contraception for the next two days.
If you had unprotected sex during this time, you might need to consider methods of emergency contraception.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR SELECTION OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS
PostMyMeds have a selection of branded and generic, unbranded versions of the Combined Pill and the Progestogen-only Pill. Take a look at the table below to discover the differences between the medications.
| Name | Type of contraceptive pill | Active ingredient | Price | Quantities |
| Cerazette 75mcg tablets | Progestogen-only pill (mini pill) | Desogestrel | £9.99 – £32.99 | 28 (4 week supply), 56 (8 week supply), 84 (12 week supply), and 168 (24 week supply). |
| Desogestrel 75mcg tablets (generic, non-branded version) | Progestogen-only pill (mini pill) | Desogestrel | £8.99 – £29.99 | 28 (4 week supply), 56 (8 week supply), 84 (12 week supply), and 168 (24 week supply). |
| Microgynon 30 tablets | Combined pill | Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel | £9.99 – £29.99 | 21 (1 month supply), 42 (2 month supply), 63 (3 month supply), and 126 (6 month supply). |
| Levest tablets (generic, unbranded version) | Combined pill | Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel | £8.99 – £26.99 | 21 (1 month supply), 42 (2 month supply), 63 (3 month supply), and 126 (6 month supply). |
BUY YOUR CONTRACEPTIVE PILL FROM POSTMYMEDS
You can buy the Combined Pill or mini pill directly from PostMyMeds after completing a quick consultation.
Our fast, free, first-class delivery means you can get your contraceptive pill quickly and securely.
