The combined pill — convenient, effective contraception

What is the combined contraceptive pill?

The combined pill contains two hormones — an oestrogen and a progestogen — that work together to prevent pregnancy. Taken correctly, it is over 99% effective. It also gives you a predictable, lighter bleed and is often used to help with painful or heavy periods, acne, and symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis.

There is more than one formulation of the combined pill. Different brands use different types and strengths of progestogen alongside the oestrogen component. The prescriber chooses a formulation that fits your health history and any previous experience you have had with hormonal contraception.

How does the combined pill work?

The combined pill primarily works by preventing ovulation — when both hormones are present at the right levels, the body does not release an egg. It also thickens the cervical mucus so sperm find it harder to travel, and alters the lining of the womb so that implantation is less likely even if fertilisation were to occur.

Most formulations are taken for 21 days followed by a seven-day break, during which a withdrawal bleed occurs. Some versions are taken every day of the month with inactive tablets during the break week. The prescriber will confirm the schedule that applies to your chosen formulation.

Is the combined pill right for me?

The combined pill is not suitable for everyone. A prescriber will need to check your blood pressure, whether you smoke (and your age), whether you have ever had a blood clot, migraine with aura, or certain other conditions. If any of these apply, there are often equally effective alternatives that carry a safer profile — such as a progestogen-only pill, a patch, ring, or injection.

For women without those risk factors, the combined pill is a well-established, safe, and flexible choice. The online consultation gathers the information the prescriber needs to make that call for you specifically.

Starting the combined pill with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy based in Stratford, and this online clinic is operated by the same registered team. You complete a structured, confidential questionnaire covering your health history, blood pressure, and any medicines you currently take. A UK prescriber reviews your answers — and if a combined pill is appropriate for you, it is dispensed and posted in plain, discreet packaging, or available to collect in store.

How the online consultation works

The consultation takes around five minutes to complete. You will be asked about your age, whether you smoke, your blood pressure readings (if you know them), your migraine history, any personal or family history of blood clots, and any other medicines you take. The prescriber uses this to choose a suitable formulation and confirm it is safe for you.

Approved orders are dispatched the same working day and arrive the following working day in plain, unbranded packaging. You can also collect from our Stratford branch. If the prescriber cannot approve treatment online, they will tell you clearly and suggest the right next step — usually your GP or a local sexual-health clinic.

When to see your GP or a sexual-health clinic instead

An online consultation is well suited to women in good general health who want to start or continue the combined pill. See your GP or a sexual-health clinic first if you have had a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack; if you have poorly controlled high blood pressure; if you have migraine with aura; or if you have a history of oestrogen-sensitive cancer. These are absolute contraindications for a combined pill and we will always refer you promptly rather than supply something that is not safe for you.