Hormonal contraceptives are a
convenient form of birth control.
Order your contraceptive
pills, patch or ring online today.

Contraception

Hormonal contraception comes in various different forms, all of which are almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. 3.5 million women use these types of contraceptives across the UK, because they are reliable as well as convenient to use. Today we have more than 30 different hormonal contraceptives to choose from, allowing you to find the right one to suit your body and lifestyle with a minimal risk of developing side effects.

OnlineClinic offers a comprehensive range of contraceptives, including Microgynon, Yasmin and Dianette. Simply complete the online consultation form that makes out part of the ordering process so that our doctor will be able to ensure that you can safely order the contraceptive of your choice online. If you are unsure about the contraceptive method you should choose, our patient support team will also be available to help. You can view the full range on our ContraceptionTreatments page.

Dr Hilary Jones
OnlineClinic Medical Advisor

"Used by millions of women, hormonal contraception helps to effectively prevent pregnancy. OnlineClinic allows you to discreetly order your contraception online and have it conveniently delivered to your door."

On this page: How does hormonal contraception work?; What are the benefits of using hormonal contraception?; Are there any side effects?; What hormonal contraceptive treatment options are available?

Treatment Options

Combined Contraceptive Pill: The combined contraceptive pill is the most popular form of hormonal birth control used in the UK. Combined pills contain two synthetic hormones: progestogen and oestrogen. These work to alter the reproductive environment to prevent pregnancy, and are almost 100% effective. They are a convenient and safe method of birth control and there is a range of options from which to choose.; Treatments: Dianette Microgynon Yasmin Marvelon Ovranette Cilest Loestrin Mercilon Binovum Brevinor Femodene Femodette Qlaira Zoely Logynon Trinovum; More information

Mini Pills: Mini-pills are otherwise known as progestogen-only pills because they contain only the synthetic hormone progestogen, as opposed to the combined pill that also contains synthetic oestrogen. The lack of oestrogen makes the mini-pill more suitable for women who are sensitive to this hormone, and also to those who smoke, are breastfeeding or are over the age of 35. The mini-pill is highly effective and safe, with a low risk of side effects.; Treatments: Micronor Cerazette Noriday; More information

Contraceptive Patch: The contraceptive patch is a relatively new method of birth control which supplies synthetic hormones to the body in the form of a patch that is applied to the skin. The synthetic hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, prevent ovulation and change the reproductive environment to prevent pregnancy. The patch is almost 100% effective and has a low risk of side effects.; Treatments: Evra patch; More information

Contraceptive Ring: The contraceptive ring is a form of contraception that administers a combination of two synthetic hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) into the body in order to prevent pregnancy. The ring, which is small and flexible, is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is over 99% effective and has a low risk of side effects. It is often recommended as an alternative method of contraception for women who find it difficult to remember to take the pil every day.; Treatments: NuvaRing; More information

Morning After Pill: The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two varieties, Levonelle and ellaOne, which are effective for up to three days and five days respectively. It is best to take the morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex for maximum efficacy.; Treatments: ellaOne Levonelle; More information

How does hormonal contraception work?

The majority of hormonal contraceptives have both progestogen and oestrogen. These are synthetic versions of hormones that normally regulate the female cycle, but when they are used in an artificial form, which is the case with some contraceptives, they can stop ovulation.

Ovulation is the process during which an egg is released from the ovaries and passed down the fallopian tubes to the womb. However, apart from influencing ovulation, hormonal contraception also changes cervical mucous to make it difficult for sperm to pass to the womb to fertilise an egg, while also altering the womb lining to make it difficult for an egg to grow.

What are the benefits of using hormonal contraception?

Hormonal contraception is one of the most reliable and convenient ways to prevent pregnancy, with the majority of variants being more than 99% effective if used correctly. By simply taking a daily pill, patch or using a contraceptive ring you are provided with the protection, without it inhibiting sexual spontaneity. The most widely used hormonal contraceptives are taken for 21 days followed by a seven day break, which is helpful in regulating your hormonal cycle.

In addition to their ability to provide protection against conception, hormonal contraceptives may also be able to treat acne, endometriosis, painful or heavy periods and premenstrual syndrome.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are often a big concern when it comes to choosing a hormonal contraceptive. Many women tend to experience mild side effects to start off with, but they pass once your body has adjusted to the hormones. The most common effects include nausea, mood changes, breast tenderness, headaches, spotting and minor weight gain.

The more suitable a contraceptive is for you, the fewer side effects you will experience. This is why you may have to try more than one contraceptive before you find the perfect one.

If you suffer from certain health problems, then you may be restricted as to which hormonal contraception you can use. Such health concerns can include diabetes, high blood pressure, immobility, a smoking addiction, high cholesterol, phlebitis, being overweight and having a family history of thrombosis.

What hormonal contraceptive treatment options are available?

The main types of hormonal contraception available are:

Monophasic pills

This is the most common type of oral hormonal contraception available. They are taken daily for 21 days followed by seven pill-free days. Cilest and Microgynon both fall under this category.

Phasic pills

Phasic pills have two or three sections of different coloured pills in a strip. Each different coloured pill contains a different concentration of hormones and should be taken in the correct order for 21 or 28 days. Binovum and Logynon are phasic oral contraceptives.

Every Day (ED) pills

These contain 28 pills: 21 active and seven inactive. The seven inactive pills are designed to assist you in creating a routine for taking your contraceptive. You will take one pill per day continuously without a break. It's important to remember to take these pills in the correct order. Examples are Logynon ED and Microgynon ED.

Progestogen-only pills (mini-pills)

The mini-pill is a low dose variation of the traditional pill which contains only one hormone. It should cause fewer side effects but may be slightly less effective. It is often recommended for older women, smokers, diabetics and women who are breastfeeding.

Patches and rings

Contraceptive patches and rings are a newer form of hormonal contraception than the pill or mini-pill, but are just as effective in providing you with protection against pregnancy. Containing both synthetic progestogen and oestrogen, the patch and ring only need to be used once a month, for three weeks at a time and with a one week break, to provide you with effective protection.