What is the difference?
Combined pill vs Progestogen-only pill
Both are daily contraceptive tablets, so they are often just called "the pill". The difference is in the hormones: the combined pill contains an estrogen and a progestogen, while the progestogen-only pill contains a progestogen alone.
General information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a clinician, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
Combined pill
The combined pill is a daily tablet containing an estrogen and a progestogen that prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation.
Full entryProgestogen-only pill
The progestogen-only pill is a daily contraceptive tablet containing only a progestogen hormone, taken every day without a break.
Full entrySide by side
In short
The combined pill has two hormones and usually allows planned breaks; the progestogen-only pill has one hormone, is taken without a break and suits many people who cannot take estrogen.
What they have in common
Both are taken daily, are more than 99% effective with perfect use and around 91% with typical use, and neither protects against STIs.
Sources
More comparisons
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Last reviewed 10 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?