They’re pills that combine two hormones: estrogen and progestin.
There are lots available, and finding the right one can feel a bit overwhelming, so we’re here to help.
Which birth control pills are combined pills?
Any that contain two active ingredients, a progestin and an estrogen. To find out if your pill is a combined pill, just check the active ingredients.
In the leaflet that comes with your pill, the ingredients should be clearly listed at the top underneath the name of the drug. For combined pills you should see two ingredients, front and center, that are progestin and estrogen.
With Loestrin, for example, the active ingredients are norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. This pill is clearly stated as a progestin-estrogen combination.
We offer a range of combined birth control pills, so there’s plenty of choice for you.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 29, 2025. Next review due on August 29, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Combined pills
How can I get combined pills?
You can get combined birth control pills both online and in person. Since the pills require a prescription, you’ll need to have a consultation where you’ll answer a few questions about your health and medical history. The consultation doesn’t usually take long; it’s just to make sure the pill is safe and suitable for you.
Who is the combined pill suitable for?
While the pill is suitable for most women, if you’re breastfeeding, smoke, or are over 35, you might be recommended an alternative treatment. After you complete the online consultation, your clinician will determine if the treatment is suitable for you. If it isn’t, they will recommend something else.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 29, 2025. Next review due on August 29, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Combined pills
How do I know which is the best combined pill for me?
Unless you’ve tried a few different pills and found one that works well for you, there’s a good chance that you won’t know which is the best option. Finding the right combination pill for you can involve some trial and error. A consultation with our clinician will help you to narrow down your options.
In short, we can help you to pick out the best (and safest) combined pills for you by weighing these things up, using your health background as the basis.
How can I get combined birth control pills?
You can get combined birth control pills in person and online. Most treatments are prescription only, as they need to be checked by a clinician to make sure it’s safe for you.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Combined pills
Combined pills: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Do I need a prescription to get combined birth control pills?
Answer:
Yes, you’ll need a prescription to get combined birth control pills. This is so your clinician can check it's safe and suitable for you.
What is a generic birth control pill?
Answer:
A lot of the birth control pills you know will probably be branded versions. You’ll know them by name, they’re popular choices and you know what’s in them and what to expect.
But there are also “generic” versions of those pills.
Generic versions have the same ingredients and are tested in the same way as their branded counterparts.
The main difference is the company that makes them. For instance, there may be several names for a specific formulation of a pill, in a specific dose, because multiple companies make that pill.
How much do combined pills cost?
Answer:
There isn’t a single price for combined birth control pills. Because they’re made by different pharma companies, the price of the pill can vary. But at Treated, we have a number of options at different prices, so you can find a pill that suits you and fits within your budget.
Treated trusted source:
Medlineplus.gov. (2015). Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives): MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Expertise you can trust.
Get to know the clinicians taking care of you. They’ll review your options and recommend the best treatment for you.
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Personalized aftercare: Regular follow-ups to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Dr. Ahmed began working with Treated as a Prescribing Clinician in 2025, reviewing consultations with patients, assessing treatment needs, and recommending (and prescribing) the best treatment options.
Dr Daniel is our Lead Doctor, based in the UK. He doesn’t prescribe for our Canadian patients, but often reviews medical content across the site to make sure it's clinically accurate. On specific pages he's reviewed you'll see his reviewer card.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Aug 29, 2025
'Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness.'
Current version (Aug 29, 2025)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Aug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Ms Laurenmarie Cormier, Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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