Contraceptive pill guides

Clear answers to common pill questions, reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.

• Which pill am I on?Type your brand and find out instantly whether you're on the combined pill or mini pill, your hormone, and your missed-pill window. Covers 56 UK brands.
• Does the pill affect your fertility?No — there's no evidence the pill causes long-term fertility problems, however long you've taken it. A UK pharmacist explains the evidence and how soon you can conceive.
• The pill and antibiotics — does it still work?Most antibiotics do NOT stop your pill working — that advice is out of date. A UK pharmacist explains the two exceptions and what to do if you're sick.
• Spotting & breakthrough bleeding on the pillSpotting in the first 3 months on the pill is very common and usually settles. A UK pharmacist explains why it happens and the red flags to watch for.
• The pill and your mood: what the evidence saysAn honest, balanced look at the evidence on the contraceptive pill, mood and depression — from a UK pharmacist. Plus what to do if your mood changes.
• Does the pill make you gain weight?High-quality Cochrane evidence finds no consistent link between the pill and weight gain. A UK pharmacist explains the research and why the myth persists.