The main points
- Contraceptive pills are daily tablets that are swallowed around the same time every day to prevent pregnancy.
- The two types available in Australia are the Pill (combined pill or oral contraceptive pill) and the progestogen only pill (POP).
- If used correctly, both pill types can be over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The two main types of contraceptive pills available in Australia
The Pill (combined pill or oral contraceptive pill)
The Pill is a daily tablet (also known as the combined pill or oral contraceptive pill). The Pill contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. These are similar to the hormones that are produced by the ovaries.
Progestogen only pills (sometimes called mini pill or POP)
The progestogen only pill is a daily tablet. The progestogen only pill contains the hormone progestogen. Progestogen is similar to the hormone produced by the ovaries.