The combined pill or the mini pill. Free on the NHS, checked by a pharmacist and posted discreetly to your door.
We supply both types through the NHS, posted to your door. Your pharmacist will help you decide.
Compare them side by side
Oestrogen and progestogen
Not usually suitable if you smoke and are over 35, have high blood pressure, migraine with aura, or a BMI of 35 or above.
Progestogen only
Often an option if you can't take oestrogen, smoke and are over 35, or have raised blood pressure.
The key differences at a glance.
| Combined pill | Mini pill | |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Oestrogen and progestogen | Progestogen only |
| How you take it | 21 days on, 7 day break | Every day, no break |
| Missed pill window | Up to 24 hours | 3 or 12 hours, depending on pill |
| Effectiveness | Over 99% with perfect use | Over 99% with perfect use |
| Breastfeeding | Not usually advised | Usually suitable |
| Cost | Free on the NHS | Free on the NHS |
Your pharmacist decides with you, based on your health answers, blood pressure and BMI. If oestrogen isn't safe for you, the mini pill is usually the option.
Yes. Tell us in the health check which pill you take now and why you'd like to change. Your pharmacist will explain how to switch safely.
Yes. Complete the online health check, tell us your current pill and your pharmacist will review it for a repeat supply.
Yes. Oral contraception through the NHS pharmacy contraception service is free for eligible patients in England.
Start your free eligibility check now. It takes two minutes and there's no obligation to order.
