- Confidential assessment
- Reviewed by our doctors
- Same-day collection
Contraceptive pills & birth control
Combined pills
Patch and ring
How our service works
Step 1
Select a medication and complete a short questionnaire.
Step 2
A doctor will assess your answers and, if suitable, provide a prescription.
Step 3
We’ll send your prescription to your chosen pharmacy for pick-up and payment in-store.
About routine contraception
There are two main types of contraceptive pill: the combined pill and the mini pill.
The combined pill works by stopping ovulation. It also makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant in the lining of the womb if you do ovulate.
With most combined pills (but not all), you take one pill every day for 21 days. Then you have a pill-free week. During your pill-free week, you should have a withdrawal bleed or 'period'.
Other pills, including the mini-pill, you take continuously without a break.
The mini-pill works by stopping ovulation or by thickening the mucus in the cervix. This stops the sperm reaching the egg if ovulation happens.
The patch (Evra Patch) should be placed on a clear section of skin. It stays on for 21 days and then you take it off for a patch-free week. You should have a withdrawal bleed or ‘period’ during this week.
The patch releases hormones (progesterone and oestrogen) through your skin.
These hormones work like the combined pill. They stop ovulation and make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
The ring (Nuvaring) is inserted into the vagina. It stays in place for 21 days. Then you take it out for a seven-day break. You should have a withdrawal bleed or ‘period’ during this week.
The ring releases hormones (progesterone and oestrogen) into your body via the vagina. These hormones work like the combined pill. They stop ovulation and make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
If you would rather not have to take a pill every day, or use a patch or ring, a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs) may be right for you. Once it is in place, you don't have to do anything for months or years.
Examples of LARCs include:
- The intrauterine device (IUD),which can last up to 10 years
- The intrauterine system (IUS), another type of coil, which can last up to 5 years
- The implant (or bar), which lasts 3 years
- The Depo-Provera injection, which lasts 3 months
LARCs have to be fitted by a healthcare professional.
Yes. Please take the following steps:
1. Select the contraception you are currently taking and start the consultation. This is a short questionnaire.
2. When asked if you have any side effects, say "Yes". Tell the doctor why you want to change contraception.
3. You will be asked if you want to change contraception. Select “Yes”.
3. Complete the short questionnaire. Your doctor will reply to you with advice on contraception options that may be right for you.
4. Make sure you check your Patient Record to see the doctor's message.
Remember, before starting a consultation for the combined pill, you will need to ask a pharmacist to check your blood pressure.
Yes. In your questionnaire, you just need to let the doctor know that you haven’t taken the pill before.
- Please select the contraception you think you would like to order. The doctor will tell you if this isn't right for you, and suggest another.
- The questionnaire will ask you if you are currently taking it. Select “No I have never taken this contraceptive”.
- You will then be asked if you want further advice. Select "Yes". The doctor will get back to you with further contraceptive advice once you have finished the questionnaire.
Remember, if you are ordering the combined pill you will need to ask a pharmacist to check your blood pressure before starting the consultation.
Contraception advice
Contraceptive pill and acne
Changing contraceptive pill
10 side effects of the combined pill
How does the contraceptive pill work?
Can you get pregnant after coming off the pill?
The pill and sex drive
In-pharmacy collection
Same-day collection is usually available at your selected pharmacy when your order is approved before 4pm Monday-Friday.