Oral Contraceptive Pill Singapore: $43.60. Female Doc (2025)

Oral Contraceptive Pill Singapore

Authored By: Dr. Jana Lim
Last updated: June 5, 2025

What Are Oral Contraceptives?

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), or birth control pills, are medications that help prevent pregnancy by regulating hormones that influence ovulation and the menstrual cycle. These pills contain synthetic versions of oestrogen and progestin, or only progestin. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement, and altering the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

Oral contraceptives are taken daily for ongoing pregnancy prevention, while emergency contraception (morning-after pill) is used immediately after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Progestin may also be used in the form of period delay pills, which temporarily postpone menstruation but do not provide contraception.

Oral contraceptive pills and pregnancy test for birth control and family planning in Singapore.

How Do Oral Contraceptives Work?

Oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by regulating hormone levels to interfere with ovulation, sperm movement, and implantation. These changes make it more difficult for fertilisation and implantation to occur.

  1. Preventing Ovulation – The steady levels of synthetic oestrogen and progestin in oral contraceptive pills prevent the surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are necessary for the maturation and release of an egg. Without ovulation, fertilisation cannot occur.
  2. Creating a Barrier to Sperm – Progestin increases the thickness of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to move through the cervix and reach the fallopian tubes where fertilisation typically occurs.
  3. Altering the Uterus – The endometrium (uterine lining) remains thinner due to hormonal regulation, making it less receptive to implantation if fertilisation occurs.
Female reproductive system surrounded by hormonal pills to show how oral contraceptives work.

Types of Oral Contraceptives

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs)

Combined oral contraceptive pills contain both synthetic oestrogen and progestin, primarily working by inhibiting ovulation. They come in different formulations:

  • Monophasic Pills – Each active pill contains a consistent hormone dose, providing stable hormone levels throughout the cycle, which may reduce side effects like mood swings.
  • Multiphasic Pills – Multiphasic formulations, including triphasic and quadriphasic pills, adjust hormone levels in a stepwise manner throughout the cycle to mimic the body's natural hormonal fluctuations. This approach may help reduce breakthrough bleeding and minimise certain side effects.
  • Extended-Cycle Pills – Designed to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods by allowing users to have a period only every few months, making them beneficial for those with heavy or painful periods.
Woman holding different types of birth control pills including combined and progestin-only options.

Other Uses of Oral Contraceptive Pills

In addition to preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptive pills are commonly used to manage hormone-related health conditions. These non-contraceptive benefits vary depending on the formulation and individual health needs. Common uses include:

  • Menstrual Regulation – May help regularise irregular periods, relieve menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea), and reduce heavy bleeding (menorrhagia).
  • Premenstrual Symptoms – May provide relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) through stabilisation of hormone levels.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels, which may improve symptoms such as acne and hirsutism (excess hair growth) commonly associated with PCOS.
  • Endometriosis Management – May alleviate pelvic pain caused by endometriosis by suppressing ovulation and reducing the growth of endometrial tissue.
  • Menstrual-Related Migraines – Extended or continuous-use formulations may reduce hormone fluctuations that trigger migraines in some individuals.

These uses are based on individual medical needs and may not be appropriate for everyone. It is advisable to consult a doctor for personalised medical guidance on whether oral contraceptive pills are suitable for your condition.

Potential Side Effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptive pills are generally well tolerated, but some individuals may experience side effects as the body adapts to hormonal changes. These effects are usually mild and tend to subside after consistent use. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea and headaches – Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes trigger nausea or headaches, especially in the early weeks of pill use.
  • Bloating and breast tenderness – Fluid retention and hormonal changes may cause bloating or tenderness in breast tissue.
  • Mood changes – Hormonal shifts can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation.
  • Spotting between periods – Light bleeding may occur, particularly in the first few months, as the body adjusts to changes in the menstrual cycle and uterine lining.

Although serious complications are uncommon, oral contraceptives may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, myocardial infarction, and developing high blood pressure, as well as worsening existing hypertension. The risk is particularly higher in individuals with pre-existing factors such as smoking, cardiovascular disease, or a history of blood clots.

If you experience persistent side effects or have concerns about long-term use, consulting a doctor can help determine if oral contraceptive pills are suitable for you.

How Much Do Oral Contraceptives Cost?

At ATA Medical, we offer a range of contraceptive and hormone-related treatments, including oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraceptive pills, period delay pills, and hormone tests. Our pricing is as follows:

Test / Treatment Price*
Consultation From $38.15
Teleconsultation From $27.25
Medication
Birth Control Pill (Yaz®) $43.60 (per box of 40 tablets)
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (Ella®) $43.60
Period Delay Pill - Noresthisterone $0.76 per tab
Hormone Tests
Amenorrhoea (Hormone) Profile 3
Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), Free T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), Prolactin

This test is recommended for individuals with irregular menstrual bleeding and should be conducted between days 2 to 5 of the menstrual cycle for optimal results.
$130.80
Female Acne / Weight Gain Screen**
Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, TSH, Cortisol, FSH, LH, Prolactin, DHEAS, SHBG

This test is recommended for individuals with suspected hormonal acne and should be conducted between days 2 to 5 of the menstrual cycle for optimal results.
$218
Ultrasound
Ultrasound Pelvis (Transabdominal) $207.10
Ultrasound Pelvis (Transvaginal) $207.10
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
**Test must be done between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM for accuracy.
Hormone testing packages are also available. Contact us for more information.

How to Use Oral Contraceptive Pills?

To ensure consistent protection, oral contraceptive pills should be taken at the same time every day. There are two common regimens: the 21-day pack and the 28-day pack.

21-Day Regimen:

  1. Take 1 active pill daily for 21 consecutive days.
  2. Stop for 7 days (no pills taken) to allow for withdrawal bleeding.
  3. Start the next pack on the 8th day, even if bleeding has not ended.

28-Day Regimen:

  1. Take 1 pill every day for 28 days without a break.
  2. The last 4 to 7 pills are placebo pills (non-hormonal) that trigger a withdrawal bleed.
  3. Begin the next pack immediately after finishing the previous one.

If you start the pill outside the first 5 days of your period, use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the first 7 days.

If switching from another contraceptive method (such as an injection, implant, or patch), consult your doctor for guidance on when to start to ensure continuous protection.

What Happens if I Missed a Dose?

Missing pills may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially if more than one pill is missed or if the delay exceeds 12 hours. Follow these guidelines for combined oral contraceptives:

Less than 12 hours late:

  1. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
  2. Take the next pill at the usual time (you may need to take two pills in one day).
  3. No additional contraception is needed.

More than 12 hours late:

If you missed a pill entirely after 12 hours, follow these steps based on the week of your pack:

Week What to Do
Week 1
  • Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember.
  • Continue the rest of the pack as usual.
  • Use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 7 days.
  • If you had unprotected sex in the previous 7 days, consult a doctor as emergency contraception may be needed.
Week 2
  • Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember.
  • Continue taking the rest of the pills as normal.
  • If you took all pills correctly in the 7 days prior, no additional contraception is needed. Otherwise, use condoms for 7 days.
Week 3
  • Take the most recently missed pill immediately.
  • Skip the placebo or pill-free break and start a new pack after the last active pill.
  • If multiple pills were missed or you didn’t take them consistently in the 7 days before, use additional contraception for 7 days.

If you vomit or have diarrhoea within 3 to 4 hours of taking a pill, it may not have been absorbed properly and should be treated as a missed dose.

If you're unsure what to do or your pill has different instructions, always refer to the product leaflet or consult a doctor for individual guidance.

Where to Get Oral Contraceptive Pills in Singapore?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

Navigate to Us

ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, most oral contraceptives work by suppressing ovulation through hormonal regulation. Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) maintain steady levels of oestrogen and progestin, preventing the surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) required for ovulation. Progestin-only pills (POPs) reduce the likelihood of pregnancy mainly by thickening cervical mucus and altering the uterine lining, making fertilisation and implantation less likely.
Oral contraceptives can be started at different times based on preference and medical advice. The first-day start method begins on the first day of menstruation and provides immediate protection. The Sunday start method starts on the Sunday after menstruation begins, requiring backup contraception for seven days. The quick start method allows starting at any time, but backup contraception is needed for seven days unless taken within the first five days of menstruation. Your doctor will guide you on usage during your consultation.
Long-term use is generally well tolerated, but it may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and high blood pressure or worsen existing hypertension, particularly in individuals with risk factors like smoking, obesity, or cardiovascular conditions. A doctor can assess your suitability based on your medical history and contraceptive needs.
Yes, smoking while using oral contraceptives, particularly combined oral contraceptive pills, increases the risk of cardiovascular complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. The risk is especially significant for individuals over 35 years old who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. It is best to consult a doctor to assess if oral contraceptives are suitable for you based on your individual health risks.
Oral contraceptive pills are generally well tolerated but may cause mild side effects like nausea, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, and spotting. They can also increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and high blood pressure or worsen existing hypertension, especially in individuals with risk factors like smoking, cardiovascular disease, or a history of blood clots. A doctor can assess your medical history and health needs to determine if they are suitable for you.
Oral contraceptives provide benefits beyond pregnancy prevention, including menstrual cycle regulation, reduced menstrual cramps, and lighter periods. They may also be used to manage conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and acne. However, the purpose and benefits may vary based on individual health conditions, and consulting a doctor can help determine the most suitable option.
Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, sperm movement, and implantation. Combined oral contraceptives suppress ovulation by preventing the hormonal surge required for egg release, while progestin-only pills primarily thicken cervical mucus to create a barrier that restricts sperm movement. Both types of pills also influence the uterine lining, making it less receptive to implantation if fertilisation occurs. These mechanisms work together to significantly reduce the likelihood of pregnancy when taken consistently.
A combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. The synthetic oestrogen and progestin in COCs suppress the hormones responsible for egg release, making ovulation less likely. Progestin also increases cervical mucus thickness, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Additionally, COCs keep the uterine lining thinner, reducing the chances of implantation if fertilisation occurs.
At ATA Medical, we provide oral contraceptives at $43.60 per box (40 tablets), while emergency contraceptive pills are also available at $43.60. Period delay pills containing norethisterone are $0.76 per tablet. Consultation fees range from $27.25 for teleconsultations to $38.15 for in-person visits. All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
In Singapore, oral contraceptive pills require a prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter. A consultation with a doctor is necessary to assess your medical history, determine suitability, and prescribe the appropriate contraceptive pill. At ATA Medical, we provide oral contraceptives at $43.60 per box (40 tablets) with same-day appointments available.
At ATA Medical, oral contraceptive pills are available at $43.60 per box (40 tablets), with emergency contraceptive pills priced the same. Period delay pills containing norethisterone cost $0.76 per tablet. Consultation fees start at $27.25 for teleconsultations and $38.15 for in-person visits. All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Yes, you need to consult a doctor in Singapore to obtain a prescription for oral contraceptives. A GP will assess your medical history to determine if the pill is suitable for you based on your health needs. At ATA Medical, we offer oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptive pills, and period delay pills, with same-day appointments available.
In Singapore, a doctor’s consultation is required to obtain a prescription for contraception. The doctor will review your medical history to determine if oral contraception is suitable for your health needs and contraceptive goals, as well as recommend an appropriate option. At ATA Medical, we offer oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptive pills, and period delay pills, with same-day appointments available.
Oral contraceptive pills may cause mild side effects like nausea, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, and spotting, which typically subside with continued use. However, they may also increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, and high blood pressure or worsen existing hypertension, especially in individuals with risk factors like smoking, cardiovascular disease, or a history of blood clots. If side effects persist or are concerning, it is best to consult a doctor for further evaluation.