Birth Control Pills South Africa: A Guide to The Types, Names & How They Work
- Samantha Pieterse
- Jul 10
- 9 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Still deciding what contraceptive suits you best?
If you're considering starting the pill, you’d be one of a large group of women globally who choose this type of contraceptive. In South Africa, birth control pills are one of the most common choices, with at least 60% using some form of contraception, and pills being a top pick. But with all the options available on the market today, things can get a little confusing.
We’re going to break it all down simply, so you can make a confident, informed choice that fits your lifestyle.
A Look at the History of the Pill
The birth control pill was first approved in 1960 in the United States, a moment many call the beginning of the contraceptive revolution. For the first time in history, it gave women reliable control over fertility with a simple, daily tablet.
But its development started long before that.
1951:
Scientist Carl Djerassi created a synthetic version of progesterone in a lab in Mexico, a hormone that could stop ovulation.
1950s:
Biologist Gregory Pincus and physician John Rock conducted trials of the first oral contraceptive, funded largely by activist Margaret Sanger and heiress Katharine McCormick.
1960:
The first pill, Enovid, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
1969:
The pill arrived in South Africa, although access was initially limited and shaped by race, class, and marital status under apartheid law.
1980s–1990s:
Newer formulations were developed with lower hormone doses and fewer side effects.
Today:
Millions of women globally use the pill not just for contraception but also to treat acne, regulate periods, and manage conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
In South Africa...
In the early days, contraceptive access was uneven. Public family planning services expanded in the 1970s and 1980s, but it wasn’t until post-apartheid healthcare reforms that wider access became available across all groups.
Now, birth control pills are available through public clinics or prescribed privately through nurses, GPs, and family planning clinics like ours.
What Is the Birth Control Pill?
The pill is a small tablet taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains either one hormone (progestin-only) or two (oestrogen & progestin), which work together to:
Stop ovulation (no egg = no pregnancy)
Thicken cervical mucus (makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg)
Thin the lining of the womb (so even if fertilisation occurred, the egg wouldn’t implant)
This three-step approach makes the pill over 99% effective with perfect use, and around 91% effective with typical use, which is still pretty good for something so easy to access.
The pill doesn’t delay or damage fertility. Research shows that most women return to their usual cycle within 1–3 months of stopping the pill, and many can fall pregnant within the first six months if they're trying to conceive. One large study found that 80% of women conceived within a year of stopping any form of hormonal contraception, including the pill.
Also, the pill does not cause abortion after conception. It prevents pregnancy from occurring in the first place, and it does not interfere with an existing pregnancy. This distinction is backed by decades of clinical research and is recognised by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The Two Main Types of Pills in South Africa
1. Combination Pill (Oestrogen & Progestin)
This is the most commonly prescribed pill in South Africa. It combines two hormones to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways (mainly by stopping ovulation). You take one pill every day, ideally at the same time each day, for the entire month.
Most brands come in a 28-day pack, with 21 hormone-containing pills followed by seven placebo pills (also called sugar pills). These last seven are there to keep you in the habit of taking your pill daily and to trigger what’s called a withdrawal bleed, which is a lighter, shorter “period” that happens because of the hormone break, not because you're actually ovulating.
Common Combination Pill Brands in South Africa: | Combination Pills Are Great For: | Combination Pills Are Not Recommended if You: |
Yaz® Triphasil® Diane-35® Nordette® Yasmin® | Regulating your cycle Reducing period pain Managing acne PCOS | Smoke and are over 35 Have high blood pressure Have migraines Have a history of blood clots |
2. Progestin-Only Pill (Mini Pill)
The mini pill gives you a small, steady daily dose of progestin, and no oestrogen. That makes it an excellent option for women who are breastfeeding, sensitive to oestrogen, or at higher risk of blood clots.
Unlike the combination pill, there’s no break or sugar pills. You take one active pill every single day, at the same time, without stopping. Timing is super important. You have a three-hour window to take it, or it could lose effectiveness. If you're someone who forgets to take it at the same time each day, this might not be the right option for you.
The mini pill mainly works by thickening your cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg. It may also stop ovulation, but not as reliably as combination pills, which is why strict timing is so important.
Some women find their periods become irregular, lighter, or even stop altogether on the mini pill, which is normal and not harmful. Others may experience spotting, especially during the first few months, as the body adjusts.
Common Progestin-Only Pill Brands in South Africa: | Progestin-Only Pills Are Great For: | Progestin-Only Pills Are Not Recommended if You: |
Cerazette® Noriday® Hy-An® Microval® | Breastfeeding moms Women who can’t take oestrogen Teens or those with clotting risks | Have active breast cancer Have vaginal bleeding Have severe liver disease Struggle with strict timing |
Is the Combination Pill or Mini Pill the Best?
It really depends on you. You need to consider your cycle, your skin, your health, whether you're breastfeeding, and even how likely you are to forget a dose (we listen, but we don’t judge). What works well for your best friend might leave you moody or spotting non-stop. There’s no one-size-fits-all contraceptive solution.
That’s why it’s so helpful to have a personalised chat with a healthcare provider who understands your whole picture.
At Mums & Bums, we take the time to talk through your needs, medical history, and preferences, so you don’t walk out with just medication, but with a plan that fits your life.
Benefits of Being on the Pill
Pregnancy prevention is the main reason many women start the pill, but it often comes with a whole list of great benefits that make daily life a bit easier. Because it regulates your hormone levels, the pill can help manage cycle-related symptoms that many of us assume we have to live with.
These benefits can vary depending on the type of pill you’re on, but here are some of the most common perks:
More predictable periods
You’ll usually bleed at the same time each month.
Lighter, less painful periods
Great for anyone who battles with heavy flow or bad cramps.
Reduced hormonal acne
Especially with certain combination pills like Yaz® or Diane-35®.
Lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
Research shows the protective effect can last for years after you stop the pill.
Fewer hormonal swings
Once your body has settled, many women report improved mood stability.
Keep in mind that not everyone experiences all of these benefits, and if something feels off, it might mean trying a different brand or type. We’re always happy to help guide you through that at Mums & Bums.
Possible Side Effects of the Pill
Like any medication, the pill can come with some side effects, especially in the beginning. Your body is adjusting to a new hormone pattern, and that can cause a few temporary changes. Most of these settle within 6 to 12 weeks, but it’s still good to know what’s normal and when to follow up.
Here are some of the more common side effects:
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
Light, irregular bleeding between periods is common when starting a new pill.
Breast tenderness
Usually mild and often improves after the first few cycles.
Mild nausea
Especially if taken on an empty stomach, taking it with food can help.
Mood changes
Some people feel a bit irritable or flat initially, but this doesn’t happen to everyone.
Slight changes in sex drive
It can go up or down depending on the person and the type of pill.
These effects usually improve by the 3-month mark. But if they don’t, or if they’re making life miserable, don’t just push through.
At Mums & Bums, we’re happy to help you try a different pill or explore other options that feel better.
What If I Miss My Birth Control Pill?
It happens, and a missed dose doesn’t always mean you need to panic. What to do next depends on the type of pill you’re taking.
Missed a Combination Pill
If you remember within 12 hours, take the missed pill as soon as you can, and you’re still protected. If it’s been more than 12 hours, take the missed pill immediately and continue your pack as usual, but use backup protection (like condoms) for the next 7 days, just in case.
Missing two or more pills in a row might throw off your hormone levels enough to risk pregnancy. If this happens, check your pack’s instructions or give us a call. We’re happy to help you figure it out.
Missed a Mini Pill
This one’s a bit stricter. You only have a 3-hour window, so if you usually take your pill at 7 am and remember at 11:30 am, that’s a miss. If you go past the 3-hour mark, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and use backup protection for the next 2 days.
Some brands may allow a longer grace period (up to 12 hours), but it’s important to follow the instructions that come with your pack or double-check with your nurse or doctor.
Need help decoding your missed pills?
Save yourself the late-night Googling and just pop us a message at Mums & Bums, we’ll walk you through it.
Where Can You Get the Pill in South Africa?
Birth control pills are not over-the-counter in South Africa. You’ll need a prescription from a doctor or clinic before you can collect them at a pharmacy.
Here's how access generally works:
Public clinics:
Free of charge, but stock can vary, and long queues are common. You’ll usually be given what’s available.
Private GPs or clinics:
Expect to pay around R50–R120 per month, depending on the brand. A consult fee may apply, but you’ll have more flexibility to choose a pill that suits your body and lifestyle.
Pharmacies:
Once you have a script, you can collect your pill monthly. Some pharmacies can also remind you when it’s time to refill or renew your prescription.
At Mums & Bums in Centurion, we offer contraceptive consults.
We’ll go over your health history, help you choose the right type of pill, and give you your pill of choice without having to make another stop.
Common Contraceptive Pill Questions
What are the best contraceptive pills in South Africa?
There isn’t a single “best” pill. It depends on your body, hormones, and medical history. Common options include Nordette, Triphasil, Yaz, Yasmin, and progestin-only pills like Microval. A nurse or doctor can help you choose what fits best for your cycle and lifestyle.
Do I need a prescription for birth control pills in South Africa?
Yes, contraceptive pills require a prescription. You can get one from your clinic, GP, or nurse. Once prescribed, you can usually refill it at your local pharmacy without a new visit unless your health or medication changes.
What’s the difference between combination and progestin-only pills?
Combination pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, which stop ovulation and regulate periods. Progestin-only pills (mini pills) contain one hormone and are safer for breastfeeding or women who can’t take estrogen.
Can I switch between pill brands like Nordette and Triphasil?
Yes, but always check with a healthcare provider before switching. Different pills have different hormone levels, which can affect your cycle or side effects.
Can I use the birth control pill if I’m breastfeeding?
Yes! But only the progestin-only mini pill.
Does the contraceptive pill make you gain weight?
Not directly. Some women notice water retention, but it’s not actual weight gain. Lifestyle still matters more. 👉🏻 See what contraception does cause weight gain here.
Do I need to take a break from contraception every few years?
Nope. Long-term use is safe, and taking breaks can actually increase your pregnancy risk if you're not using something else.
Will it delay my ability to fall pregnant later?
Not necessarily. Fertility usually returns within 1–3 months of stopping. Some women even conceive in the next cycle!
The Pill vs. Other Contraceptives
Method | Duration | Contains Hormones? | Great For… |
Pill | Daily | Yes | Period control, acne, flexible |
5–7 years | Yes | Low-maintenance, no daily pill | |
Copper IUD | 5–7 years | No | Low-maintenance, no daily pill |
Injection | 2–3 months | Yes | Longer-acting |
Condoms | Per use | No | STI protection, no hormones |
Final Thoughts From Mums & Bums
There’s no perfect pill, just one that fits you perfectly. We’ll help you figure that out in a quick appointment. Whether you're choosing a first-time contraceptive or thinking of switching, you're welcome to book a consultation with us and chat through what’s best for your body and lifestyle.
Ready to Chat Birth Control?
Book your consult at Mums & Bums, Centurion. We’ll walk you through the options and send you off with a personalised plan.
📞 Call us on 0645081672
👉🏻 Click here to book online
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