Combined monophasic early contraceptive pills, 'feminor sequential', one of 4 packets, United Kingdom, 1960-1980 (see note).

‘Feminor sequential’ is a trade name for an early oral contraceptive pill (shown at the top of this image). Special packaging was designed soon after the pill was launched to remind women when to take it. This example has a chart for women to mark off the days. Extra protection was needed to prevent pregnancy for the first ten days of the first course of tablets.

Monophasic pills such as Feminor sequential are taken for 21 days, at the same time each day, with a week off. The pill suppresses ovulation, which is the release of eggs into the womb. They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb. Each pill contains the same amount of oestrogen. The pills are shown with other oral contraceptives.