Oral Contraception

Oral contraception in women is available in two formulations; products containing both oestrogen and progestogen'combined oral contraceptives (COCs, the Pill); and those containing progestogen alone'progestogen-only pills (POPs, the Mini-Pill). COCs first became available in the UK in 1961 and have become an extremely safe, effective and popular method of reversible contraception. They also benefit from having non-contraceptive health benefits. This article aims to outline the advantages and disadvantages of taking oral contraception and important aspects of safe prescribing. Initially, the COC pill will be focused on, with the differences arising with the POP pill being outlined later.