Book your contraception appointment online
Book Appointment
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Contraception Consultation | £85* | *Not including the cost of the pill |
| Contraceptive Pill | Depending on the chosen contraceptive pill |
Fleet Street Clinic is not a VAT registered company
What types of contraceptive pill are there and how do they work?
There are two types of contraceptive pill available - the combined pill and the mini-pill (also known as progesterone only pill).
The combined pill is a combination of two different hormones – oestrogen and progesterone. The combined pill works by preventing your body from ovulating each month. This stops the egg being released from the ovaries and therefore preventing the sperm from fertilising it.
The mini-pill is made up of progesterone only. The mini-pill works by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the uterus to prevent sperm being able to pass through and fertilise the egg.
What are the advantages of the contraceptive pill?
Every type of contraceptive pill is highly effective (up to 99%).
There are many advantages to the contraceptive pill including:
- Making your periods lighter, less painful and more regular
- Improving your skin, certain types are better for this – ask during your consultation
- It can reduce symptoms of PMS
- It can reduce the risk of ovarian cysts and fibroids
Can I choose which pill I get prescribed?
It is important to speak about what you want the pill to do for you, whether that be to alleviate painful periods, or help clear up your skin, or stop unwanted pregnancies, or even a combination.
Your GP will suggest which contraceptive pill they would recommend you take. Of course, you can share if you have a preference for a certain type but please trust our doctors medical opinion if they strongly suggest an alternative.
We always have time to listen
How effective is the pill?
If taken correctly, without missed days, both the combination and mini pill are over 99% effective.
If you miss a day or are physically sick then this protection dramatically reduces.
How do you take the pill correctly?
Each pill can be different so it is important to check with your GP about how to correctly take the pill you have been prescribed.
You can do this during your consultation and it will be printed on your medication as a helpful reminder. Once you are in a routine, you won’t even have to think about it, it will become second nature.
What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive pill?
There are several things to consider before going on the contraceptive pill:
- You have to take the pill at the same time everyday (as required) – if you miss a pill or take it incorrectly, this will reduce the pills effectiveness and leave you vulnerable to pregnancy
- It can cause side effects including mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea, spotting between periods, headaches/migraines, decreased libido and weight gain
- Long term use of the pill, particularly in those over 35, can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, increase blood pressure, your risk of developing diabetes and breast cancer
It is important to note that side effects can vary widely among different types/brands of pill and between individuals and many side effects tend to ease within 2 or 3 months of taking the pill.
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Book your contraception appointment online
Book Appointment
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Contraception Consultation | £85* | *Not including the cost of the pill |
| Contraceptive Pill | Depending on the chosen contraceptive pill |
Fleet Street Clinic is not a VAT registered company
FAQs
It is important to know that the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill will reduce if you are unwell with sickness and/ or diarrhoea. You should have a second level of contraception such as a condom to avoid pregnancy.
Taking your pill at different times of the day will affect its effectiveness. For maximum protection from your contraceptive pill it is advised to follow the recommended guidelines which says that it is most effective when taken at the same time every day.
Some pills such as the combined pill if started on day 1 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 of your period) will be protected from pregnancy straight away. This is not always the case and as there are such a variety of contraceptive pills it’s best to ask your doctor during your appointment for this detail. They will be able to advise based on the pill prescribed to you.
If you miss a pill you are not protected against pregnancy. It would be advisable to use a condom if you plan to have sex as a precautionary measure for the next 2 days.
