Key Information

Why Watch: Taking the combined pill correctly is the most important factor in its effectiveness. This video guides you through the different types of pill packs, exactly when you are protected from pregnancy, and balances the risks with the long-term health benefits.

The Golden Rule: You must take one pill around the same time every single day. Missing pills or taking them late reduces effectiveness.

Which Pack Do You Have?

There are two main ways the pill is packaged.

• The 21-Day Pack: You take a pill every day for 21 days, then have a 7-day break (no pills). You will usually have a withdrawal bleed during this break.
• The Everyday (ED) Pack: You take a pill every single day with no break. These packs contain active pills and inactive (dummy) pills. You bleed while taking the inactive ones.

Note: You can also choose a "Tailored Regime" (e.g., taking packs back-to-back to avoid bleeds). If you are interested in this, please ask us or your pharmacist.

Starting the Pill: Are You Protected?

• Days 1-5 of Period: If you start the pill within the first 5 days of your period (Day 1 = first day of bleeding), you are protected immediately.
• Any Other Time: If you start on any other day, you must use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days.

Side Effects & Risks

Common Side Effects

It is normal to experience temporary changes when starting, such as spotting between periods, headaches, nausea, or breast tenderness. These usually settle within the first 3 months. If they persist, we can try a different brand.

Risks vs. Benefits

• Risks: There is a very small increased risk of blood clots and a slight increase in breast/cervical cancer risk (which returns to normal 10 years after stopping).
• Benefits: The pill significantly reduces your risk of developing bowel, womb, and ovarian cancers.

Important: The pill does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). You must use condoms for this.

What Happens Next?

If your side effects are bothering you after 3 months, or if you want to discuss a tailored regime (taking packs back-to-back), please let us know.

Discuss Your Contraception

Further Information

For more information on the combined pill, where to get it, who can take it, side effects, risks and more, please visit the NHS website.

• Learn more about the combined pill

Last reviewed: 28 April 2026
Next review due: 28 April 2029