Contraception - Daily pill

Combined pill (COC)

The combined pill is usually just called ‘the pill’. It contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the natural hormones produced by the ovaries. There are different types of combined pill and different ways to take it.

Visit NHS 111 Wales for more information on the combined pill.

Progestogen-only pill (POP)

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) contain a progestogen hormone. This is similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. POPs are different to combined pills because they don’t contain the hormone estrogen.

Visit NHS 111 Wales for more information on the progestogen-only pill.

Page last reviewed: 18th June 2025