Contraceptive Pill

Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones that prevent pregnancy through three mechanisms: suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

When taken correctly and consistently, the pill is up to 99% effective — making it one of the most reliable reversible contraceptive methods available.

Contraceptive pills fall into three main categories.

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) — Contains both oestrogen and progestin. The most popular type. Benefits include regular periods, reduced menstrual pain, and some formulations help with acne and water retention. At Intimo Life, we offer several brands including Yasmin, Yaz, Melodia, Preme, Marvelon, Mercilon, and Annylyn.

Progestogen-only Pill (POP / Mini Pill) — Contains progestin only, no oestrogen. Suitable for women who have contraindications to oestrogen — such as those with migraine with aura, smokers over 35, or breastfeeding mothers. At Intimo Life, we offer Cerazette, which has the advantage of a 12-hour flexible dosing window.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) — For emergency use only after unprotected sex. Not intended as a regular contraceptive. See our Morning After Pill collection for details.

Each combined pill brand has a different hormone formulation suited to different needs.

Want clearer skin and less oiliness → Yasmin or Yaz — Contains Drospirenone, which has anti-androgenic properties that help reduce hormonal acne and facial oiliness. Yaz has a slightly lower hormone dose than Yasmin, potentially fewer side effects.

Want to reduce water retention → Melodia or Preme — Melodia contains Drospirenone like Yasmin but in a 24+4 regimen. Preme is a gentle formula that helps with skin care and reduces bloating.

Want a well-established, trusted formula → Marvelon — Contains Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol. A classic formulation used worldwide for decades, with skin-care and hormone-balancing benefits.

Want a low-hormone option → Mercilon — Same formulation as Marvelon but with lower oestrogen content. Ideal for women sensitive to hormones.

Want something simple and affordable → Annylyn — A straightforward combined pill at an accessible price point. Good for beginners.

Can't take oestrogen or breastfeeding → Cerazette — Progestogen-only with a generous 12-hour dosing window.

Combined pill (21-pill pack) — Take one pill daily at the same time for 21 days, then stop for 7 days (your period will come during this break). Start a new pack after the 7-day break.

Combined pill (28-pill pack) — Take one pill every day without a break. The last 7 pills are either placebo or iron supplement pills, helping you maintain the daily habit.

Progestogen-only pill (Cerazette) — Take every day with no break. If you miss a pill, you have up to 12 hours to take it and still be protected.

Tips to remember — Set a daily alarm / keep the pack next to something you use every day, like your toothbrush / use a pill reminder app.

Missed 1 pill (less than 24 hours late) — Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at the usual time (you may take two in one day). You're still protected.

Missed 2 or more pills — Take the most recently missed pill immediately, then continue as normal. Use condoms for at least the next 7 days, as protection is reduced.

Missed pills in the first week + had unprotected sex — You may need emergency contraception. Consult a pharmacist to assess the risk.

The pill is very safe, but some side effects may occur in the first few months as your body adjusts. These usually resolve within 2-3 months.

Common side effects — Mild nausea (take with food to help) / breast tenderness / headaches / spotting between periods / mood changes

Seek immediate medical attention if — Severe calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot) / unusually severe headache / sudden blurred vision / chest pain or breathing difficulty

If side effects persist beyond 3 months, consult a pharmacist about switching to a different formulation.

The combined pill isn't suitable for everyone, especially those with risk factors for blood clots.

Do not use if you have a history of blood clots or stroke / have migraine with aura / smoke and are over 35 / have uncontrolled high blood pressure / have breast cancer / have severe liver problems / are breastfeeding within 6 weeks of delivery

In these cases, a progestogen-only pill like Cerazette may be a safer alternative. Consult a pharmacist to find the right option.

Many women choose the pill for its skin benefits, not just contraception.

Reducing hormonal acne — Pills containing Drospirenone or Cyproterone Acetate have anti-androgenic properties that help reduce acne caused by excess male hormones. Best options include Yasmin or Yaz.

Reducing water retention — Drospirenone has mild diuretic properties, helping reduce pre-menstrual bloating.

Regulating periods — All pill types help make periods regular, lighter, and less painful.

Note that skin improvements may take 3-6 months to become noticeable. Don't expect instant results.

These serve completely different purposes.

Daily contraceptive pill — Taken every day for continuous pregnancy prevention. 99% effective when used correctly. Designed for regular, ongoing use.

Emergency contraception — Taken only after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Must be taken within 72 hours — the sooner the better. Not for regular use, as it contains much higher hormone doses than the daily pill.

At Intimo Life, emergency options include Tansy One (single-dose) and Postinor (two-dose). See our Morning After Pill collection for more details.

Yes. After stopping the pill, most women return to their normal ovulation cycle within 1-3 months and can become pregnant as soon as ovulation resumes.

The pill does not affect long-term fertility regardless of how long you've been taking it. Taking the pill for 5-10 years does not make it harder to conceive later.

If your period hasn't returned within 3 months of stopping, consult a doctor to investigate the cause.