Combined Contraceptive Pills

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Schedule

One tablet daily for 21 days, then 7 days off for the ‘withdrawal bleed’)

(Alternatively, you can use the combined pill every day).

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Effectiveness

Over 99% effective when taken correctly

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Locations

Online. Anywhere in the UK.

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Fees

£30/3 months. Learn more.

Contraceptive pills, patches and the morning after pill are offered after a telephone call with a Specialist Nurse.

Journey Overview

Combined Contraceptive Pills - Clarewell Clinics

Receive your combined contraceptive pills with a simple online process. Start with a questionnaire, followed by a telephone call with a specialist nurse if needed. Your medication will then be posted to you.

#1 Online Questionnaire

We will request you to fill out an online questionnaire to ensure that combined pill is safe for you.

#2 Telephone Call (if needed)

In the event that our clinicians have any questions, they will give you a telephone call to clarify.

#3 Post Medications

Once your request has been reviewed and the medications dispensed, we will post it out to you via Royal Mail Tracked 24.

Patient Feedback

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    C  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been trying to get my coil replaced since May on the NHS, but they couldn't do it as my threads have been cut too short. Waiting lists for NHS gynae appointment are insane (~1 year) so after some deliberating I decided to go private. I chose Clarewell Clinics as they had great reviews and also compared to other clinics, were a lot more reasonably priced.

I booked an ultrasound guided coil removal in hopes that Dr. Elena would be able to do it without needing to go down a more invasive route. Thankfully, she did it with ease and also replaced it with a Mirena coil (on the NHS they had told me my uterus was too small so had to go with Kyleena).

It was such a more pleasant experience than when I did it on the NHS. Dr. Elena and Yemi kept me comfortable and eased my anxiety the whole way through the process. The pain relief options were also better- air and gas was a lifesaver! I could still feel the pain but it was milder and so much more bareable than the insertion I had 5 years ago. It was over quickly and I was sent away with a heat pack to ease the cramping afterwards.

Thank you so much Dr Elena, Yemi and also Ryaan for being a friendly face in the reception.

I would thoroughly recommend Clarewell Clinics :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    K S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a mirena replacement with Elena, supported by Ryan.
I have previously had bad experiences, but the approach here and the pain management meant if I had to come back next week for another one, I’d do it.
I arrived feeling sick and shaking but Ryan put me at ease, Elena did a fantastic and quick job and the gas and air made a huge difference, I barely felt anything.  The whole team were friendly and welcoming and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.  I had an injection and she didn’t wait for pain to come to manage it, it was managed upfront.  I’m so incredibly grateful, thank you.  Ryan and Elena are a fantastic team
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    P R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Aaron Williams saw us while we were visiting London from the US and he treated us well, with compassion and professionalism. Seeing him helped put us at ease for the rest of our trip, which ended up being great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    E R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible care and treatment. Can't thank Dr Jayadeva and his team enough who put me at great ease and looked after me. Wonderful clinic will be recommending.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a copper coil removal yesterday with Dr Praveen Jayadeva. If you are at all nervous about an iud fitting or removal, I couldn't recommend this clinic enough. I had a very painful experience at a different clinic that made me really scared about the removal procedure. They really take the time to talk you through what's going to happen and what type of pain relief options you have. They were so friendly and comforting (both the doctor and the amazing assistant) and procedure was so quick. They even offer you tea and biscuits afterwards. Really fantastic and professional clinic!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    B G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a coil done here. It was an amazing experience, really worth the money paid. The doctor took the time to go through the process and all the options in detail. I felt prepared and well cared for. I had numbing gel and spray and also gas and air. The actual coil fitting was less then 5 minutes. I felt a little discomfort, but the gas and air managed this very well. The team were all very supportive and caring.
My coil lasts for 5 years, I'm very happy with my experience. Could not recommend enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    D  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Malu was able to help me fully understand and put into context my concerns surrounding HPV, which at times can feel like a confusing subject. His ability to listen and understand my concerns with empathy and without judgement was very helpful. I am grateful for the expertise and care given by Dr. Malu and the staff at his clinic. The team provides a very professional and comfortable experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic and caring team from booking process, reception, appointment and billing. Went for a coil removal. They had ultrasound and gas for pain management (when I checked it seemed they were the only clinic that offered this!!). 100% recommend. Especially if you’re getting a coil, want to make sure you do it with a top professional team. I inserted it elsewhere and it was a barbaric procedure for me, insanely painful and just awful. So save yourself unnecessary trauma/pain
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great experience at Clarewell Clinic. I was extremely nervous about the pain before my copper IUD fitting, but Dr Praveen Jayadeva explained everything clearly throughout the appointment and made me feel completely comfortable. I was given pain relief and the fitting was honestly so much easier than I expected — I barely felt any pain at all. Yasmin was also incredibly lovely and reassuring throughout. I’m genuinely so happy I chose Clarewell and would definitely recommend them. 10/10.

Eligibility



Best For

Women seeking contraception, reduced acne.



Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Do not use immediately post-delivery.

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Menstruation

Start pill during first five days.

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Do NOT use if

History of clots, cancer, migraines, smoking.

Avoid/Discuss if

High BMI, high blood pressure, surgery.

Fees

Contraceptive Coil

Copper Coil Fitting/Replacement - £350

Hormonal Coil Fitting/Replacement - £450

GyneFix Coil Fitting/Replacement - £750

GyneFix Coil Removal (Ultrasound Guided) - £350

Coil Removal (Routine) - £150

Coil Removal (Ultrasound Guided) - £350

Coil Check - £150

Short Term Methods

Combined Pill - £30/3 Months Supply

Contraceptive Injection - £100/Injection

EVRA Patches - £110/12 Months Supply

Progesterone Only Pill - £30/3 Months Supply

Local Anaesthetic

Included in the procedure

Consultation

Same Appointment as Procedure: Included in the procedure fee

Separate Appointment as Procedure (Specialist Nurse): £75

Separate Appointment as Procedure (Specialist Doc): £150

Payment Options

Self Pay - By Cash/Card), but not American Express
Health insurance
Klarna – a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.

FAQs

Show All Answers

What are the benefits of the combined pill?

The combined pill offers several benefits, including:

Reduced acne: The hormones in the pill can help reduce acne.
Reduced risk of certain cancers: It can lower the risk of ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers, as well as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and non-cancerous breast disease.
High effectiveness: When taken correctly, it is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Help with heavy and painful periods: It can alleviate premenstrual symptoms and make periods lighter and less painful.

What are the possible side effects of the combined pill?

Possible side effects include:

Temporary side effects: In the first few months, you may experience headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings, or breakthrough bleeding. These usually subside over time.
Increased blood pressure: The pill can increase blood pressure, which is why it is monitored before you start and annually thereafter.
Breasts: Hormones in the pill can cause temporary breast tenderness, but there is no evidence that it will permanently increase your breast size.
Weight: There is no evidence that the combined pill causes weight gain, though some women may experience increased appetite or fluid retention.
Small increased risk of VTE: There is a slightly increased risk of blood clots (Venous Thromboembolism or VTE), especially when you first start taking the pill. This risk stabilizes over time, which is why stopping and restarting the method is not advised.
Small increased risk of breast cancer: The risk of breast cancer is slightly increased while on the pill but returns to a baseline risk after stopping.

Can anyone use the combined pill?

While the combined pill is safe for most women, it may not be suitable for those with a history of:

Blood clotting, stroke, heart disease, or atrial fibrillation.
Migraines (especially with aura).
Breast cancer.
Thrombogenic mutations or a family history of VTE under age 45.

Additionally, it may not be suitable for those with:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Acute liver disease.
A BMI of 35 or over.
Aged 35 or over and who smoke.
Multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Those taking medications for Epilepsy, HIV, or Tuberculosis.
Anyone undergoing major surgery with prolonged immobilization.

What can reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill?

The effectiveness of the combined pill can be reduced by:

Missing a pill: Missing one pill is usually fine, but missing two or more, especially in the first week, can increase the risk of pregnancy.
Vomiting: Vomiting within 2-3 hours of taking a pill means it may not have been absorbed.
Serious diarrhoea: A day of serious diarrhoea can make the pill less effective.
Certain medications: Medications for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, and some over-the-counter herbal remedies (like St. John's Wort) can reduce the pill's effectiveness.
Common antibiotics: These do not routinely affect the pill, but if they cause vomiting or diarrhoea, this can impact its effectiveness.

When should I take the combined pill?

There is no specific correct time to take the combined pill. You can find a time that works best for your daily routine, such as with breakfast, at bedtime, or with a daily phone alarm. If the pill causes nausea, taking it at night may help.

When should I start the combined pill?

The best time to start the pill is during the first five days of your period, as this provides immediate protection. If you start at any other time in your cycle, it will take seven days for the pill to become effective. If you are switching from another contraceptive, it is advisable to continue using that method, use condoms, or abstain from sex for the first 7 days.

Will I still have a period?

When you take the combined pill, you stop releasing an egg and the lining of the womb doesn’t build up as much. During your week off the pill, the body has a withdrawal bleed due to the drop in hormones. This is typically shorter, lighter, and less painful than a regular period. Alternatively, you can take the pill continuously to skip the withdrawal bleed entirely.

How do I stop using the combined pill?

To stop the combined pill without risking pregnancy, the safest way is to switch to another contraceptive method and continue taking the combined pill for the first 7 days of the new method. If you are planning to become pregnant, you can finish your current packet, have your bleed, and then not start a new packet. Stopping the pill in the first 7 days after your bleed could result in a pregnancy if you have unprotected sex.

How long after stopping the combined pill can you get pregnant?

Fertility can return after the first pill-free week when your body can release an egg again. For some women, it may take a few months for their regular periods and hormonal balance to return to normal.

I’ve just had a baby, can I still use the combined pill?

You should wait at least four weeks after delivery before starting the combined pill. It's important to note that the risk of VTE is much higher after giving birth, and this will be discussed with you before the pills are dispensed.

Can I use the combined pill after a miscarriage or abortion?

Yes. If the pregnancy was under 20 weeks, you can start the pill immediately. If the pregnancy was over 20 weeks, you should wait until day 21 of your cycle or when your usual cycle starts to begin taking the pill.

Can I use the combined pill if I am breastfeeding?

If your child was born early, small for their gestational age, or growth-retarded, you may want to consider another method of contraception. There is some evidence that the hormones from the pill can pass to the child and may affect milk production and supply.

Next Steps



Care In Clinic

Request an Appointment



Care Online

Online Consultation

Page last reviewed by Julie Milsom (Specialist Nurse in Sexual Health) on 27 April 2021 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.