Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones that act in a similar way to the natural hormones that your body produces. They are highly effective when used correctly, and are fully reversible if you decide you want to stop using them. Two types available:

• Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC or ‘the Pill’) - contains oestrogen and progestogen
• Progestogen-only pill (POP or formerly known as the ‘mini pill’) - contains progestogen only