Should you choose a daily or a once-a-week contraceptive pill?
The daily pill is taken every day at about the same time and suits women who can keep a routine. A once-a-week pill available in India is not a hormone pill and suits women who find a daily habit hard. Both are reversible, neither protects against infections, and your doctor should check your health first.
Why are there different kinds of pill?
If you would like to avoid a pregnancy for now, a contraceptive pill is one of the simplest choices, and it stays completely under your control. But many women feel confused by what they hear from friends or read online, and some worry about side effects, or about whether a pill will affect a pregnancy later. There are different kinds of pill because women's lives and health are different. Some women are happy with a daily habit; others would rather think about contraception only once a week. Below, we explain two options in plain language: the daily pill, and a once-a-week pill available in India. This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
How is the daily pill taken, and who does it suit?
As the name suggests, the daily pill is taken every day, one pill at about the same time each day, following the pattern on the pack exactly as your doctor explains. Its strength lies in the routine. Many women link it to something they already do each day, such as brushing their teeth or an evening meal, or they set a reminder on their phone. Taken correctly, it is a reliable method, and for some women it brings added benefits, such as periods that are more regular, lighter and more comfortable. In the early days, some women notice mild nausea, breast tenderness or light spotting, which usually settles.
The daily pill is not right for everyone. Certain health conditions, such as some kinds of migraine, high blood pressure, a past blood clot or some liver problems, can mean that another method is safer. Some daily pills are also not suitable while breastfeeding, although others are. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are sometimes advised a daily pill to help regulate their periods, which is a decision to make with your doctor.
How is the once-a-week pill taken, and who does it suit?
A once-a-week pill available in India works differently from the daily pill, and it is not a hormone pill. When you first start, it is taken a little more often for the first few months; after that, it is taken just once a week, on the same day each week. Your doctor will give you the exact schedule and help you choose a day that is easy to remember.
It can suit a woman who finds a daily routine hard to keep, or who would rather avoid hormones. One thing worth knowing is that it can sometimes make a period come later than usual; if your period is late, a quick check will tell you what is happening, so there is no need to worry alone. It is not suitable for everyone either. For example, it is usually not advised for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or certain liver conditions, so your doctor will check your health first.
What should you do if you miss a pill?
Missing a pill is common, and it is nothing to panic about, but it helps to know what to do in general terms. With the daily pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then carry on with the rest of the pack at your usual time. If you have missed more than one pill, or you are unsure, keep taking your pills, use condoms as well for a while, and call your doctor for advice specific to your pack.
With the once-a-week pill, take it as soon as you remember, then ask your doctor whether your schedule needs adjusting, because a longer gap may mean going back to the more frequent starting schedule for a time. With either pill, if you have missed pills and have had sex without other protection, call us promptly; there may still be time for emergency contraception, and we will guide you. Severe vomiting or diarrhoea soon after taking a pill can also stop it working properly, so treat that like a missed pill and ask for advice.
Do contraceptive pills protect against infections?
No. Neither the daily pill nor the once-a-week pill protects against infections passed on during sex. Condoms help to prevent pregnancy and also help to protect against infection, which is why many couples use them alongside a pill, especially with a new partner. If you ever notice an unusual discharge, sores, or pain when passing urine, please see a doctor rather than waiting.
Will a pill affect a pregnancy later?
This is one of the most common worries, and the answer is reassuring. Both pills are reversible. They do not harm your womb, and when you stop taking them, your natural fertility is expected to return. When you are ready for a baby, talk to your doctor about stopping and about preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy; our guide on how to become pregnant is a good place to begin. Until then, a pill lets you plan the timing of your family on your own terms.
How do you choose the right pill?
Choosing a pill is not about picking a name off a shelf. It depends on your health, whether you are breastfeeding, any medicines you take, how regular your daily routine is, and what feels comfortable for your own life. A pill is also only one choice among several. Longer-acting methods, such as a small device placed inside the womb or an implant under the skin, suit women who would rather not think about contraception at all, and you can read about the full range on our contraception page. Whether you are married or unmarried, you are welcome to discuss contraception with us in complete privacy, and you will be treated with the same respect as every other woman.
Getting started
If you would like to start a pill, or change the method you use now, call or message us. A consultation lets the doctor check your health, ask about any medicines you take, and help you choose the pill, or another method, that suits you. Your first conversation can be online and can guide your next step, and the doctor will then see you in person at the hospital in Goa before you start. Everything you share with us stays private. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation.
What is the difference between the daily pill and the once-a-week pill?
The daily pill is taken every day at about the same time. A once-a-week pill available in India is taken a little more often at first, then once a week, and it is not a hormone pill. Your doctor will help you choose.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then carry on as usual. If you have missed more than one, are unsure, or have had sex without other protection, use condoms and call your doctor promptly for advice.
Do contraceptive pills protect against infections?
No. Neither pill protects against infections passed on during sex. Condoms help prevent pregnancy and also help protect against infection, so many couples use them alongside a pill.
Will the pill affect my chances of pregnancy later?
Both pills are reversible. When you stop taking them, your natural fertility is expected to return, and you can plan a pregnancy with your doctor when you are ready.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.