The Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pill contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. It may be taken by women to prevent pregnancy.
Sometimes, the COC pill may also be taken for :
- Painful or heavy periods,
- Premenstrual syndrome,
- Endometriosis.
The main types of COC pill are:
Standard strength oestrogen - 21 day
These contain a standard strength of oestrogen (30-35 micrograms) together with a progestogen. Each pack contains 21 pills. A pill is taken every day for 3 weeks and then there is a pill free break for 7 days before starting a new pack of pills.
One brand of the COC pill (Norinyl-1) contains an oestrogen called mestranol. It is at a slightly higher strength than the others but has the same effect as a standard strength COC pill.
If the pills are all the same colour, they contain the same amount of oestrogen and progestogen throughout the cycle. They are sometimes called monophasic pills.
If the pills are different colours, they contain different amounts of oestrogen and progestogen depending on the stage of the cycle. They are sometimes called biphasic or triphasic pills.
Standard strength oestrogen - 28 day or Every Day (ED)
These contain a standard strength of oestrogen (30-35 micrograms) together with a progestogen. Each pack contains 28 pills - 21 active pills and 7 inactive or "dummy" pills. A pill is taken every day for 28 days and then a new pack of pills is started. There is no pill free break.
If the active pills (first 21 pills) are all the same colour, they contain the same amount of oestrogen and progestogen throughout the cycle. They are sometimes called monophasic pills.
If the active pills (first 21 pills) are different colours, they contain different amounts of oestrogen and progestogen depending on the stage of the cycle. They are sometimes called biphasic or triphasic pills.
The inactive pills (last 7 pills) are white and larger than the active pills.
Low strength oestrogen - 21 day
These contain a low strength of oestrogen (20 micrograms) together with a progestogen. Each pack contains 21 pills. A pill is taken every day for 3 weeks and then there is a pill free break for 7 days before starting a new pack of pills.
The low strength oestrogen COC pill may be considered if you have risk factors for developing blood clots but are otherwise suitable for taking a COC pill. (See the section on 'Special Considerations'.)
Dianette
Dianette (also called co-cyprindiol) is a special type of pill used when women want a treatment for acne or unwanted hair growth but also want contraception. However, the other COC pills are preferred for routine contraception.
