Oral contraception is a safe, effective way to take control of your reproductive health. Here’s everything you need to know — from daily pills to emergency options and what to do when things don’t go quite to plan.
Two Kinds of Pills. One Clear Goal.
There are two main types of birth control pills:
✔ Combined Pill
A mix of oestrogen and progestogen.
How it works: Stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the womb lining.
How to take it: Every day for 21 days, then a 7-day break (or as advised).
✔ Progestogen-Only Pill (POP or Mini Pill)
Contains just progestogen.
How it works: Thickens cervical mucus and may also stop ovulation.
How to take it: Every day at the same time, with no break.
How Well Does It Work?
Used perfectly, the pill is over 99% effective.
With typical use — missed pills, late doses, or illness — it’s 91–95% effective.
When the Pill Might Not Work
Even reliable methods can let you down if:
- You miss or delay a pill
- You vomit or have severe diarrhoea after taking it
- You start a new pack late
- You’re on medications that interfere (e.g. some antibiotics or epilepsy meds)
- You use the 7-day break incorrectly (COCP only)
Missed a Pill? Here’s What to Do.
If You’re on the Combined Pill (COCP)
Missed 1 pill?
✔ Take it as soon as you remember (even if two in one day).
✔ Continue as normal — you’re protected.
Missed 2 or more?
✔ Take the most recent missed pill immediately.
✔ Leave any earlier missed ones.
✔ Keep taking the pack.
✔ Use condoms or avoid sex for 7 days.
✔ If this happens during the last 7 pills of your pack, skip the 7-day break and start your next pack straight away.
When Should You Skip the 7-Day Break?
✔ After missing 2 or more pills
✔ When travelling, unwell, or at risk of reduced protection
✔ To manage migraines or heavy periods (on advice from your doctor)
Skipping the break is safe. Spotting can happen but isn’t harmful.
If You’re on the Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)
Late by more than 3 hours (or 12 hours for desogestrel)?
✔ Take the missed pill ASAP.
✔ Take the next pill at your regular time (even if that means two in one day).
✔ Use condoms or avoid sex for 48 hours.
Emergency Backup: The Morning After Pill
If you’ve had unprotected sex or missed pills, emergency contraception may help prevent pregnancy.
Two types:
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle)
✔ Works up to 3 days after sex
✔ Most effective when taken early
Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne)
✔ Works up to 5 days after sex
✔ May affect how your regular contraception works
When the Morning After Pill Might Not Work
- You take it too late
- Ovulation has already occurred
- You vomit within 3 hours (you may need a replacement dose)
- You have unprotected sex again afterwards
- You’re on medications that interfere with absorption
- You weigh over 70 kg — ellaOne or a copper IUD may be more reliable
If your period is over 7 days late, unusually light, or different — take a pregnancy test.
Not Sure What to Do?
Whether you’re starting contraception, missed a few pills, or need emergency advice, we’re here to help.
Let’s Talk
✔ Same-day GP appointments
✔ Friendly, non-judgemental care
✔ Clear advice tailored to you
Book your consultation today.
