The Lowdown pill ‘groups’ explained

Many contraceptive pill brands contain exactly the same hormonal ingredients as each other, but are simply branded with a different name. To make it easier to understand the differences, we put them into groups.
Hormonal contraceptives explained

Contraceptives are split into two types – types that contain hormones (like the pill), and types that don’t contain hormones (like condoms).
Contraceptive effectiveness explained

What does ‘typical use’ vs ‘perfect use’ even mean? Get the lowdown on contraceptive effectiveness.
Can you smoke weed while on birth control?

Does smoking weed affect the effectiveness of the birth control pill? Are there combined side effects? Get the lowdown in our guide to cannabis and contraception.
Hirsutism: how contraception can help with excess hair growth

Hirsutism (excess hair) doesn’t mean PCOS, but it is a common symptom. Find out how to prevent hair growth with contraceptives and natural treatments.
Estradiol hemihydrate

Estradiol hemihydrate is a synthetic form of oestrogen (like the hormone oestrogen naturally found in your body but made in a lab).
A Guide to Estradiol valerate

Estradiol valerate is a synthetic form of oestrogen (like the hormone oestrogen naturally found in your body but made in a lab).
Mestranol

Mestranol is a synthetic form of oestrogen (like the hormone oestrogen naturally found in your body, but made in a lab).
What is Ethinylestradiol and How does it Work?

Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic form of oestrogen (like the hormone oestrogen naturally found in your body but made in a lab).
Norelgestromin

Norelgestromin is a third-generation synthetic progestin, making it a pretty recent addition to the collection of contraceptive hormones.