COCP

THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACPETIVE PILL (COCP)

HORMONAL, DAILY PILL.

TAKE IT A DAY AT A TIME

The combined oral contraceptive pill is a tablet containing hormones that you take once a day. It contains oestrogen and a progestogen, which prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from reaching the egg. You should take the pill at the same time each day, whether or not you have sex. Ask your doctor or nurse whether the combined pill is a suitable method of contraception for you based on your medical history, and if it is, which is the best type for you.

The long-term use of the pill doesn't affect your fertility. How quickly your body returns to its pre-pill level of fertility varies from person to person. 

Other medications you take can affect the efficacy of the pill. Please consult your doctor if you are on other medication and they can let you know if you need to use additional contraception whilst taking certain medications. 

COCP

HOW IT MEASURES UP

Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.

91% 91%

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYP­I­CAL USE

The pill is self-administered. It should be taken at the same time every day, and although we make mistakes, it is effective.

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99 % 99 %

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The pill is self-administered and given with a prescription. When taken perfectly i.e. if you don’t forget to take it or you take with other medications that prevent it from working properly, the pill is a very effective method of contraception.

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HORMONES

Yes. The hormones in the pill – oestrogen and progestogen – are released throughout the body.

EASE OF USE

The pill must be taken at the same time every day, even if you don’t plan to have sex that day.

YOUR PERIOD

The pill can maintain the regularity of your cycle. 

COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS)
– AKA THE HORMONAL COIL

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

IUS

THE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)
– AKA THE COPPER COIL

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plas­tic frame that has a copper wire. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Implant

THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (COCP)

COCPs are tablets which may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the Pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

The COCP

THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these.

The POP

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that includes menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Female sterilisation

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

PP-PF-WHC-GB-0656 | Date of preparation: May 2021

© 2021 Bayer plc. All rights reserved

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in the UK.

Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information and for UK audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice. The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer.