Oral contraceptive pill

A short-acting contraceptive method

We offer two different types of pill, each one providing different benefits.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

The two types of pill we have available have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on the woman. During a consultation, we can help you decide if one of these is right for you.

It can take between five to seven days for the pill to start working. You can use a condom or abstinence during this time. Your normal fertility will return immediately after you stop taking the pill.

Effectiveness

99% when used correctly. This means that if one hundred women used the pill for a year, and never forgot to take a pill on time, then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period. Some women forget to take the pill every day, which can increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Availability

You can get oral contraceptive pills at all our centres.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

If you're starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

Call us toll-free for a confidential chat

0808 00 19/20

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Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

How contraceptive pills work

All types of contraceptive pill make it harder for sperm to penetrate a woman's womb and reach an egg.

Depending on the type of pill, they may also have an effect on the release of an egg each month.

To be effective as a contraceptive method, you must make sure to take the pill regularly, following the instructions provided for each product.

If you're ever in doubt, or think you may be pregnant while using the pill, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

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Contraceptive pills are a quick, easy way to prevent unplanned pregnancies. They are extremely effective for women who are able to remember to take them at the same time each day.

Marie Stopes Zimbabwe

The progestogen-only pill

There are two types of progestogen-only or POP pill.

One type mainly works by preventing sperm entering the womb and has a 3 hour ‘missed pill’ window. The other (any pill containing desogestrel only) mainly works by preventing an egg from being released and has a 12 hour ‘missed pill’ window. Typical user failure rate is up to 9%. (Up to 9 women in 100 will have an unplanned pregnancy in the first year of use.)

Progestogen-only pill advantages

It may be suitable for women who do not want to or cannot take oestrogen for health reasons.
It may be suitable for women who are over 35 and women who smoke.
It can be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Things to consider

It has to be taken every day. If you miss a pill or take it late your risk of becoming pregnant will increase.
Women may experience irregular bleeding or their periods may stop.
Some medicines may affect the POP's effectiveness.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can make it less effective.
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Progestogen-only after care advise

If you start the pill after an abortion, or on the first day of a period, it will work straight away. If you start on any other day, use extra precautions or abstain from sex for 2 days. Do not stop taking it. Irregular bleeding is a common side effect and periods can also stop which is nothing to worry about.

Other methods of contraception at a glance

Condoms

Male and females condoms are a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis.

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a highly effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It consists of either 1 or 2 small plastic rods that are placed in the upper arm and, depending on the product used, is effective at preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Injectable

The injectable or contraceptive injection is an effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It works by releasing a hormone that stops eggs being released by the body. Injectables are highly effective, lasting 2 to 3 months (depending on the type used), but women must remember to return for another injection around this time or risk not being protected from pregnancy.

Intrauterine device

The IUD is a highly effective (99%), long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is made from plastic and copper and works by stopping a man's sperm from meeting an egg and/or by stopping an egg implanting in the uterus. The procedure for inserting an IUD is simple, usually only taking a few minutes by a trained person.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents a woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive need.