How long does the pill take to work?

If started on day 1 of your period, it works straight away. Otherwise, the combined pill needs 7 days to become effective and the desogestrel mini pill needs 2 days.

Do I need a blood pressure check before starting?

For the combined pill, yes. A blood pressure reading taken within the last 12 months is required. For the mini pill, a blood pressure check is not usually needed.

Can I start the pill without seeing a GP?

Yes. You can start the pill through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, a sexual health clinic, or an online service like Contraception Direct.

Will I get side effects when I first start?

Some people notice mild side effects in the first 2 to 3 months, such as spotting, nausea, headaches, or breast tenderness. These usually settle as your body adjusts.

Can I start the pill at 16?

Yes. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is available from age 16. The combined pill is available to ages 16 to 49 and the mini pill to ages 16 to 54.

What if I want to stop the pill after starting?

You can stop at any time. Your natural fertility returns quickly, usually within days.

Can I start the pill if I have never had a period?

This depends on your individual situation. Your pharmacist or GP will assess whether starting the pill is appropriate for you.

Starting the Pill for the First Time

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). April 2026.

Your pharmacist checks your medical history, recommends a pill, and posts it to you. If you start on day 1 of your period, you are protected straight away. Most side effects settle within 2 to 3 months.

What happens before you start the pill?

Starting the contraceptive pill begins with a short clinical consultation. You do not need to see a GP. Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, a pharmacist can assess you, recommend a pill, and supply it directly.

Your pharmacist asks about your medical history, current medications, whether you smoke, your BMI, and any conditions that might affect suitability. For the combined pill, you need a recent blood pressure reading. For the mini pill, a blood pressure check is not usually required.

Which pill will you get?

Your pharmacist will recommend either the combined pill or the mini pill based on your health assessment.

	Combined pill	Mini pill
Contains	Oestrogen + progestogen	Progestogen only
How you take it	21 days on, 7 day break	Every day, no break
Blood pressure needed?	Yes	No
Age range (PCS)	16 to 49	16 to 54

When to start taking it

The ideal time is day 1 of your period. If you start then, you are protected straight away. If you start on any other day, use condoms for the first 7 days (combined pill) or 2 days (desogestrel mini pill).

How to take it

Take one pill at the same time each day. The combined pill is taken for 21 days with a 7 day break. The mini pill is taken every day without a break.

Side effects to expect

Some people notice mild side effects in the first 2 to 3 months: spotting, nausea, headaches, or breast tenderness. These usually settle as your body adjusts.

When are you protected?

If started on day 1 of your period, you are protected straight away. Otherwise, the combined pill needs 7 days and the desogestrel mini pill needs 2 days.

How to get started

With Contraception Direct, book a free phone consultation. Your pharmacist will assess you, recommend a pill, and post it to you in discreet packaging.

Book your free consultation

When should I start taking the pill?: If you start on day 1 of your period, you are protected straight away. If you start on any other day, use condoms for the first 7 days (combined pill) or 2 days (desogestrel mini pill).
How long does the pill take to work?: If started on day 1 of your period, it works straight away. Otherwise, the combined pill needs 7 days and the desogestrel mini pill needs 2 days.
Do I need a blood pressure check before starting?: For the combined pill, yes. For the mini pill, a blood pressure check is not usually needed.
Can I start the pill without seeing a GP?: Yes. You can start through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service or an online service like Contraception Direct.
Will I get side effects when I first start?: Some people notice mild side effects in the first 2 to 3 months. These usually settle as your body adjusts.
Can I start the pill at 16?: Yes. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is available from age 16.
What if I want to stop the pill after starting?: You can stop at any time. Your natural fertility returns quickly, usually within days.
Can I start the pill if I have never had a period?: This depends on your individual situation. Your pharmacist or GP will assess whether starting is appropriate.