A short-acting family planning method
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) is a tablet that contains two hormones, progestogen and estrogen, and is taken daily to prevent pregnancy.
The hormones in the pill work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens cervical mucus so that it is harder for a sperm to reach the womb.
Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.
It can take between five to seven days for the pill to start working. You can use a condom or abstinence during this time. Your normal fertility will return immediately after you stop taking the pill.