Don't be embarrassed, put off or rushed through a short consult when you talk to your doctor about choosing the right contraceptive for you - pay for a long consult if need be but DO empower yourself with knowledge before rushing off with your script.
Discussing all aspects of birth control with a health professional is essential when it comes to understanding and taking charge of your body's health in regard to managing birth control- especially if you take oral contraceptives which affect your body's hormone levels.
The doctor will know your medical history but maybe not what type of lifestyle you lead so explain a bit about this first. Take with you a list of over the counter meds you are taking. Remember, this is your domain, your body, your future family planning scenario- you are about to make one of the most responsible and important decisions of your life, your partner's life and the lives of your unborn children.
You may find some of these questions useful and if you don't understand the answer you get back, be a little terrier and keep asking until you do.
1. Given my age and state of health/lifestyle, which method of contraception do you suggest for me?
2. Out of all the hormone based types of contraceptives, which is the most effective and are there any I cannot take due to my medical history or the medications I'm taking?
3. If I don't opt for a hormone based contraceptive, what other alternatives are most effective?
4. Is an IUD an option for me and can it cause problems if I want to become pregnant later on?
5. How will 'the pill' affect my fertility and what do I watch out for re side effects?
6. Which form of contraceptive carries the greatest health risk, I've heard scary reports about the patch?
7. If I ever want to get pregnant when should I stop taking the pill?
8. What should I do if I fail to use contraceptives during intercourse?
9. How can I get the 'morning after' pill and if I keep one dose on standby how long will be effective for?
10. If I'm breastfeeding, what do I do about contraception?
11.Do you have information about natural birth control?
12. I don't want kids for YEARS yet, is an implant a good option for me now?
13. Are there any other resources in my community where I can get help and advice on contraceptives?
14. We have enough children now, I need information on tubal ligation and vasectomy and whether or not these methods are reversible.
The truth about contraceptive pills and pregnancy test kit results HERE- as well as several popular Oral Contraceptive pills (including cheapest on line prices)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Who Do You Turn To For Information On Contraceptives?
2 out of 3 women (63%) who use the internet, research contraceptives and birth control options online. In January of this year, comScore Inc. a leader in measuring the digital world, released results from a study that looked at how women choose their method of contraception, what their opinion is of alternative contraceptive methods and whether the information they gather from their 'net' research influences their actual 'practising' methods of contraception.
921 women were surveyed (ages 18-44) who had been heterosexually active over the past 6 months and had used a form of prescription or over-the-counter birth control.
"Traditionally, women have relied on friends, family or a significant other for health-related
information, including sexual health and contraception," said Carolina Petrini, comScore senior vice president. "But today, with the influx of newer-generation birth control methods and non-traditional pill regimens, more and more women are turning to the Internet to sort through the clutter and organize their findings. As is true in many other areas of health care, the consumer has become much more proactive. She wants to be informed of all of her choices, and she is relying on the Internet for answers."
35% of the women surveyed had already used birth control related 'user generated content' from blogs, forums and chatrooms, while 42% said they were open to the idea in the future.
Factors that influence a woman's choice of contraceptive
Not surprisingly, the main factor was EFFECTIVENESS although only 9% gave ineffectiveness as a reason for not choosing specific types.
The main reasons for NOT choosing a specific type of contraceptive were:
Source:http://www.comscore.com To read report on this survey CLICK HERE
Further information on Alesse, Mircette and other oral contraceptives.
921 women were surveyed (ages 18-44) who had been heterosexually active over the past 6 months and had used a form of prescription or over-the-counter birth control.
- 82% of the women surveyed consulted their doctor, pharmacist or health care worker about
- contraceptive options
- 60% researched on the internet and web sites
- 51% consulted friends, family and 'significant others'
"Traditionally, women have relied on friends, family or a significant other for health-related
information, including sexual health and contraception," said Carolina Petrini, comScore senior vice president. "But today, with the influx of newer-generation birth control methods and non-traditional pill regimens, more and more women are turning to the Internet to sort through the clutter and organize their findings. As is true in many other areas of health care, the consumer has become much more proactive. She wants to be informed of all of her choices, and she is relying on the Internet for answers."
35% of the women surveyed had already used birth control related 'user generated content' from blogs, forums and chatrooms, while 42% said they were open to the idea in the future.
Factors that influence a woman's choice of contraceptive
Not surprisingly, the main factor was EFFECTIVENESS although only 9% gave ineffectiveness as a reason for not choosing specific types.
The main reasons for NOT choosing a specific type of contraceptive were:
- perceived SIDE EFFECTS (45%)
- INCONVENIENCE (42%)
Source:http://www.comscore.com To read report on this survey CLICK HERE
Further information on Alesse, Mircette and other oral contraceptives.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Pills Minimize Side Effects
Today's oral contraceptive pills contain much lower doses of synthetic hormones than in the 1960's when 'The PILL' (with 50 micrograms of estrogen) first went onto the market. "That's not helped me much", you may be saying to yourself but here's some information about low dose oral contraceptive pills that may be beneficial for you if you're not happy with your current pill.
Trial and error with different pill types is worth pursuing -bearing in mind that oral contraceptives are still not the perfect method of birth control for everyone. If you are on the 'right pill' to suit your body, you should feel exactly the same way as you do normally, if not a little better. Some women cannot tolerate the estrogen in combined oral contracepive pills so are prescribed progestin only pills. Estrogen seemed to be the main culprit where side effects were to blame so 'low dose' pills were developed to minimise these.
Changing hormone levels within your body can result in side effects which vary for every individual. Keeping hormones at a consistent level in your body is the job of oral contraceptives so that you do not ovulate, your uterine lining thins and your cervivcal mucous thickens. These three events work together to prevent pregnancy.
Pills such as ALESSE and MIRCETTE are called ultra low dose pills as they contain only 20mcg of estrogen. These oral contraceptives are effective at preventing pregnancy but some women find that they have more spotting and breakthrough bleeding with them than with pills containing 30 or 35 micrograms (considered the norm today) of estrogen. Spotting and breakthrough bleeding often disappear after a few months on a low dose oral contraceptive pill.
Women who prefer ALESSE and MIRCETTE say they reduce headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and bloating. These two brands also may be better for 'first timer pill users' as a 'low estrogen start' to introducing synthetic hormones into their bodies.
Progestin only pills or 'mini pills'
These oral contraceptives are 90-95% effective at preventing pregnancy compared to the 99% efficacy rate of combination pills. However, they do not cause the common side effects of estrogen pills such as nausea, breast tenderness and cramps. The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular disease is lower with progestin only pills. Nursing mothers can use progestin only pills a few weeks after giving birth as progestin does not affect milk supply like estrogen does.
'Mini pills' must be taken every day at the same time with no break. If you miss just one pill or take it more than three hours past the regular time, you need to use a backup method of birth control for 48 hours after taking the late pill.
Disadvantage of the 'mini pill' - apart from irregular spotting and breakthrough bleeding, is that it can increase the risk of ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy.
Sources:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Elizabeth Silverman,
obstetrician-gynecologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Dr. Pamela Deak,
obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California San Diego Medical Center.
Trial and error with different pill types is worth pursuing -bearing in mind that oral contraceptives are still not the perfect method of birth control for everyone. If you are on the 'right pill' to suit your body, you should feel exactly the same way as you do normally, if not a little better. Some women cannot tolerate the estrogen in combined oral contracepive pills so are prescribed progestin only pills. Estrogen seemed to be the main culprit where side effects were to blame so 'low dose' pills were developed to minimise these.
Changing hormone levels within your body can result in side effects which vary for every individual. Keeping hormones at a consistent level in your body is the job of oral contraceptives so that you do not ovulate, your uterine lining thins and your cervivcal mucous thickens. These three events work together to prevent pregnancy.
Pills such as ALESSE and MIRCETTE are called ultra low dose pills as they contain only 20mcg of estrogen. These oral contraceptives are effective at preventing pregnancy but some women find that they have more spotting and breakthrough bleeding with them than with pills containing 30 or 35 micrograms (considered the norm today) of estrogen. Spotting and breakthrough bleeding often disappear after a few months on a low dose oral contraceptive pill.
Women who prefer ALESSE and MIRCETTE say they reduce headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and bloating. These two brands also may be better for 'first timer pill users' as a 'low estrogen start' to introducing synthetic hormones into their bodies.
Progestin only pills or 'mini pills'
These oral contraceptives are 90-95% effective at preventing pregnancy compared to the 99% efficacy rate of combination pills. However, they do not cause the common side effects of estrogen pills such as nausea, breast tenderness and cramps. The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular disease is lower with progestin only pills. Nursing mothers can use progestin only pills a few weeks after giving birth as progestin does not affect milk supply like estrogen does.
'Mini pills' must be taken every day at the same time with no break. If you miss just one pill or take it more than three hours past the regular time, you need to use a backup method of birth control for 48 hours after taking the late pill.
Disadvantage of the 'mini pill' - apart from irregular spotting and breakthrough bleeding, is that it can increase the risk of ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy.
Sources:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Elizabeth Silverman,
obstetrician-gynecologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Dr. Pamela Deak,
obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California San Diego Medical Center.
Monday, February 25, 2008
5 Tips to Remind You to Take your Contraceptive Pill Everyday
I hope you have read the package leaflet at least once when you open your pack of Ortho Tri Cyclen or other brand of contraceptive pill. If you have, you will know how important it is to take the pill at the same time each day. There is a reason for this- it helps to keep a steady and measured dose of hormones supplied to your body throughout your cycle and it also helps to
minimise any side effects you may experience, such as spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Do you find it difficult o get into the habit of taking your contraceptive pill at the same time every day? Maybe your job or lifestyle makes it almost impossible?
These tips may help you to stay on track:
1. Think about something in your daily routine which would help you to take the pill at the same time such as brushing your teeth or reaching for your night cream as you climb into bed. Popping a pill before you head down for brekky (taking oral contraceptives with food also helps alleviate any nausea) or swallowing one with a quick sip of water from the bedside table is not too much of an effort when it becomes part of another 'automatic' act you carry out daily. Taking a contraceptive pill at the same time each day also ensures that your body receives the right amount of hormones during that 24 hour period.
2. 'Out of sight out of mind' is an old saying that doesn't just apply to people! It is true when it comes to taking medication- if
the pills are not right there in front of you why would you think about them? Putting your pack of contraceptive pills out of sight will not help you to establish a good 'pill taking' habit so make sure your contraceptive pill pack is next to your toothbrush or by that glass of water on the bedside table or in the drawer alongside your jar of night cream.
3. OK, so your job has ridiculous shifts or you travel a lot and routines keep changing- you must find a new routine to 'attach' your pill taking act to! Carry your contraceptive pill pack in your handbag and take it with lunch/ morning/afternoon coffee BUT do follow the same routine daily so that you are still supplying your body with its steady, measured dose of hormones throughout that 24 period. If you have a long drive home, get into the habit of taking a pill with a juice in the car so that you don't get caught up in the 'dinner' stuff when you get home and fall exhausted into bed and forget.
4. When you are travelling, keep your contraceptive pills within reach- preferably in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase in case it gets lost. Don't leave them in the hotel bathroom either, keep them in your purse so you can enjoy the events of your trip without worrying about being hours late in taking your pill.
5. Get some help if you just can't seem to manage the pill taking routine yourself- explain the problem and your daily schedule to your doctor or health care provider and they may be able to suggest something that hadn't occurred to you.
Remember to keep a spare pack of contraceptive pills on hand so you don't run out and miss the first few days of your next pill cycle. Use your mobile phone, pc at work or a calendar to 'alarm' you one week in advance of your start date for a new pack.
Source: www.thepill.com
For a FREE E-BOOK on birth control, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com
minimise any side effects you may experience, such as spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Do you find it difficult o get into the habit of taking your contraceptive pill at the same time every day? Maybe your job or lifestyle makes it almost impossible?
These tips may help you to stay on track:
1. Think about something in your daily routine which would help you to take the pill at the same time such as brushing your teeth or reaching for your night cream as you climb into bed. Popping a pill before you head down for brekky (taking oral contraceptives with food also helps alleviate any nausea) or swallowing one with a quick sip of water from the bedside table is not too much of an effort when it becomes part of another 'automatic' act you carry out daily. Taking a contraceptive pill at the same time each day also ensures that your body receives the right amount of hormones during that 24 hour period.
2. 'Out of sight out of mind' is an old saying that doesn't just apply to people! It is true when it comes to taking medication- if
the pills are not right there in front of you why would you think about them? Putting your pack of contraceptive pills out of sight will not help you to establish a good 'pill taking' habit so make sure your contraceptive pill pack is next to your toothbrush or by that glass of water on the bedside table or in the drawer alongside your jar of night cream.
3. OK, so your job has ridiculous shifts or you travel a lot and routines keep changing- you must find a new routine to 'attach' your pill taking act to! Carry your contraceptive pill pack in your handbag and take it with lunch/ morning/afternoon coffee BUT do follow the same routine daily so that you are still supplying your body with its steady, measured dose of hormones throughout that 24 period. If you have a long drive home, get into the habit of taking a pill with a juice in the car so that you don't get caught up in the 'dinner' stuff when you get home and fall exhausted into bed and forget.
4. When you are travelling, keep your contraceptive pills within reach- preferably in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase in case it gets lost. Don't leave them in the hotel bathroom either, keep them in your purse so you can enjoy the events of your trip without worrying about being hours late in taking your pill.
5. Get some help if you just can't seem to manage the pill taking routine yourself- explain the problem and your daily schedule to your doctor or health care provider and they may be able to suggest something that hadn't occurred to you.
Remember to keep a spare pack of contraceptive pills on hand so you don't run out and miss the first few days of your next pill cycle. Use your mobile phone, pc at work or a calendar to 'alarm' you one week in advance of your start date for a new pack.
Source: www.thepill.com
For a FREE E-BOOK on birth control, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Doc Check Yourself Before Asking For Alesse
I know it seems alarming and quite off-putting to be considering a list of medical conditions that would STOP you from using Alesse or any other oral contraceptive pill, when all you may want right now are simple facts and a prescription for 3 months supply! Oral contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy but before you rush off to the clinic and demand to be 'put on the pill', you owe it to your body and your future health to make sure that you are NOT placing yourself at 'high risk' of developing a serious disease that could cause temporary or permanent disability or death.
Most of you probably know that if you are pregnant, or miss two menstrual periods in a row, you should stop taking the contraceptive pill and get to the doctor as soon as possible. The hormones in Alesse can pass into breast milk or slow down milk production so safe guard your baby's health by NOT taking Alesse if you are breastfeeding.
How many female friends do you know who are on the pill and who are overweight or who still smoke? (or both!) Hmm...would they think you were a 'wally' if you suggested that they have another chat with their doctor?
At least you can arm yourself with information to take to the doctor's by quickly scrolling through the list below and jotting down anything that 'rings a bell' - then pat yourself on the back for being a ' savvy and responsible girl', grab your purse (with your notes) and head off to get the most out of that consultation.
Do not use Alesse if you have:
OK, so you ticked NO to all of the above, filled the prescription and have started your first pack of Alesse (or other brand of contraceptive pill) and so far so good.....not wishing to make a hypochondriac out of you, it would be irresponsible of me not to follow up with a final Check Yourself, 'watch out for' list so here 'tis....
WARNING SIGNALS
If any of these adverse effects occur while you are taking oral contraceptives, call your health-care provider immediately:
Sources: Manufacturer's information- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.Philadelphia
Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives including Alesse to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.
For free tips, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com
Most of you probably know that if you are pregnant, or miss two menstrual periods in a row, you should stop taking the contraceptive pill and get to the doctor as soon as possible. The hormones in Alesse can pass into breast milk or slow down milk production so safe guard your baby's health by NOT taking Alesse if you are breastfeeding.
How many female friends do you know who are on the pill and who are overweight or who still smoke? (or both!) Hmm...would they think you were a 'wally' if you suggested that they have another chat with their doctor?
At least you can arm yourself with information to take to the doctor's by quickly scrolling through the list below and jotting down anything that 'rings a bell' - then pat yourself on the back for being a ' savvy and responsible girl', grab your purse (with your notes) and head off to get the most out of that consultation.
Do not use Alesse if you have:
- a history of a stroke or a history of heart attack, seizures or epilepsy
- a history of depression
- a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram
- blood clots in the legs, varicose veins, blood clots in the lungs or eyes
- high cholesterol or if you are overweight or have severe high blood pressure
- circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes) or a heart valve disorder
- angina (chest pain)
- uterine fibroid tumors
- a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, cervical or vaginal cancer
- abnormal or unexplained vaginal bleeding or a history of irregular menstrual cycles
- current liver disease or liver cancer
- severe migraine headaches
- tuberculosis
- yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during
- previous use of the pill
- a need for surgery that requires prolonged bedrest afterwards
- a known allergy to the active ingredients in Alesse (levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol)
OK, so you ticked NO to all of the above, filled the prescription and have started your first pack of Alesse (or other brand of contraceptive pill) and so far so good.....not wishing to make a hypochondriac out of you, it would be irresponsible of me not to follow up with a final Check Yourself, 'watch out for' list so here 'tis....
WARNING SIGNALS
If any of these adverse effects occur while you are taking oral contraceptives, call your health-care provider immediately:
- Sharp chest pain, coughing of blood, or sudden shortness of breath (indicating a possible clot in the lung).
- Pain in the calf (indicating a possible clot in the leg).
- Crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (indicating a possible heart attack).
- Sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, disturbances of vision or speech, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (indicating a possible stroke).
- Sudden partial or complete loss of vision (indicating a possible clot in the eye).
- Breast lumps (indicating possible breast cancer or fibrocystic disease of the breast; ask your health-care provider to show you how to examine your breasts).
- Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area (indicating a possibly ruptured liver tumor).
- Difficulty in sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or change in mood (possibly indicating severe depression).
- Jaundice or a yellowing of the skin or eyeballs, accompanied frequently by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored bowel movements (indicating possible liver problems).
Sources: Manufacturer's information- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.Philadelphia
Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives including Alesse to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.
For free tips, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Levlen
Levlen- a quick overview of this triphasic contraceptive pill (also known as Tri Levlen) that contains ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel- two active synthetic female hormones that prevent ovulation.Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones in the active pills (changing every seven days during the first three weeks of pills). Some pills release the same dose of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.
Levlen is an oral contraceptive pill that is mainly taken to prevent pregnancy but it is sometimes prescribed for other purposes. In preventing pregnancy, Levlen does two other main jobs besides preventing ovulation. It thickens the cervical mucous (around the neck of the womb) which makes it tough for sperm to swim through on their way to the egg. Levlen also thins the lining of the uterus which makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to embed itself, even if a
determined little swimmer does make it into the egg.
DO NOT to use Levlen/Tri Levlen if:
Stay away from Levlen/Tri Levlen if you have a history of:
People who suffer from the above conditions and take hormones increase their risk of stroke, heart attack or blood clots-especially if they are woman over 35 and they smoke.
Your doctor will probably take you off Levlen/Tri Levlen temporarily if you are scheduled for surgery, medical tests or you need bed rest for a while.
How to take Levlen or Tri Levlen
Take one pill each day, at the same time if possible and 24 hrs. apart. Make sure you always have the next pack of Levlen on hand so you don't run out and risk missing several days -as you could get pregnant. If you wish to change brands of contraceptive pills or stop taking them, do not do this without consulting your doctor. It's a good idea also to have regular check ups while you are taking oral contraceptives like Levlen/Tri Levlen.
Condoms must be used with oral contraceptives, including Levlen/Tri Levlen if you wish to protect yourself against STD's but you knew that didn't you?
Levlen is an oral contraceptive pill that is mainly taken to prevent pregnancy but it is sometimes prescribed for other purposes. In preventing pregnancy, Levlen does two other main jobs besides preventing ovulation. It thickens the cervical mucous (around the neck of the womb) which makes it tough for sperm to swim through on their way to the egg. Levlen also thins the lining of the uterus which makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to embed itself, even if a
determined little swimmer does make it into the egg.
DO NOT to use Levlen/Tri Levlen if:
- you are pregnant or think you may be, as there will be a risk of harming the baby- tell your doctor at once if you have even the slightest suspicion or you have missed a menstrual period
- your new baby is less than a month old
- you are breastfeeding as hormones can pass through your breastmilk and may even slow down your production of milk
Stay away from Levlen/Tri Levlen if you have a history of:
- history of blood clot, stroke, diabetes-induced circulation problems or severe high blood pressure
- any hormonal-related cancers (like uterine or breast cancer), liver disease cancer
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- migraine headaches,
- valve disorders
- or any history of jaundice
People who suffer from the above conditions and take hormones increase their risk of stroke, heart attack or blood clots-especially if they are woman over 35 and they smoke.
Your doctor will probably take you off Levlen/Tri Levlen temporarily if you are scheduled for surgery, medical tests or you need bed rest for a while.
How to take Levlen or Tri Levlen
Take one pill each day, at the same time if possible and 24 hrs. apart. Make sure you always have the next pack of Levlen on hand so you don't run out and risk missing several days -as you could get pregnant. If you wish to change brands of contraceptive pills or stop taking them, do not do this without consulting your doctor. It's a good idea also to have regular check ups while you are taking oral contraceptives like Levlen/Tri Levlen.
Condoms must be used with oral contraceptives, including Levlen/Tri Levlen if you wish to protect yourself against STD's but you knew that didn't you?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Contraceptive Pill Types Explained
This is an introductory explanation of the different types of oral contraceptive pills that may help you to finally select the one that is best for your body. 50 years on, we have discovered that the oral contraceptive pill for women still prevents pregnancy if it is made up of much lower doses of estrogen and progestin than in the early days. 'The Pill' used to contain 50-100 micrograms of estrogen and today it contains only 20-35 micrograms, with researchers trying to reduce this amount further to reduce side effects. Synthetic hormones (estrogen/ethinyl estradiol and progestin) used in contraceptive pills mimic the natural hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) produced by the ovaries, adrenal gland and liver.
Estrogen's main job in the contraceptive pill is to prevent ovulation (release of an egg from a woman's ovary). Progestin in the pill, while it does have some intermittent effect on ovulation (about 50% of the time) is relied on mainly to thicken the mucus around the cervix to stop sperm from getting through to an egg.
Contraceptive Pills come in two basic types: single hormone pills (progestin only) and combination hormone pills (estrogen + progestin) Pills are supplied in two basic packs- 28 day pill packs= 3 weeks of active hormone pills +1 week placebo pills and 21 day pill packs= 3 weeks of active hormone pills with no placebo pills.
PROGESTIN only pills (the 'mini pill') do not contain estrogen and only have a small amount of progestin in them. Breastfeeding women are often prescribed these 'mini pills' (estrogen may cause a reduction in milk supply) as well as women who cannot take synthetic estrogen for medical reasons. Side effects are less than pills containing estrogen and they are not associated with heart disease, however, irregular bleeding /spotting/mood swings may occur. Progestin only pills MUST be taken at the same time each day and are affected by vomiting or diarrhoea.This type of contraceptive pill is not affected by antibiotics.
COMBINATION PILLS- contain estrogen and progestin and can be further categorized as being Monophasic, Biphasic or Triphasic- so what do these terms mean? Pills are put into these categories according to whether or not the levels of hormones they contain stay the same throughout the first three weeks of a woman's menstrual cycle (in 28 day pill packs, the pills for the fourth week in the pack are placebo or 'reminder pills' that are inactive and do not contain any hormones)
MONOPHASIC Pill- is one that contains the same amount of hormones in every ACTIVE pill so you are less likely to have mood swings as your hormone levels do not vary much throughout the month. Popular monophasic pills include:Alesse, Brevicon, Desogen, Levlen, Levlite, Loestrin, Modicon, Nelova, Nordette, Norinyl,Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho-Novum, Ovcon, Yasmin. In 2003 the FDA approved a new packaging of a monophasic contraceptive pill called Seasonale. This pill is taken for 91 days, during which no periods occur -so in one year, women taking this pill will only have 4 periods (for the first year though, expect the same no. of menstrual days as with a traditional contraceptive pill till your body adjusts)
BIPHASIC Pill- is one that contains different amounts of hormones throughout the pack. These pills alter your hormone levels once during your cycle by increasing the dosage of progestin about halfway through your cycle and are thought to better match your body's natural production of hormones- they contain smaller doses of hormones in total than monophasic pills. However, insufficient evidence has been gathered to favour these pills over monophasic ones, where much more reliable data is available so monphasic pills are preferred. Breakthrough bleeding has been reported as a side effect with these pills. Popular biphasic pills include : Jenest, Mircette, Necon 10/11, Nelova 10/11, Ortho-Novum 10/11. Attempts to decrease side effects led to the three-phase pill in the 1980s.
TRIPHASE Pill- is one that contains 3 different amounts of hormones in the ACTIVE pills over three weeks, i.e. a change in hormone levels within the body occurs every 7 days for the first 3 weeks.. The dose of estrogen is gradually increased and in some pills, the dose of progestin is also increased. Whether three-phase pills lead to fewer pregnancies than two-phase pills is unknown. Nor is it known if the pills give better cycle control or have fewer side effects. Look for the 'TRI' on the label such as:Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Trivora, Tri-Norinyl, Cyclessa, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.
The Best Pill to Take? All contraceptive pills are effective if taken correctly, with combination pills (containing estrogen and progestin) being more effective than the low dose 'mini pill'. Monophasic pills may be the best to start with- they are cheaper and those with lower amounts of estrogen may have fewer side effects (but more breakthrough bleeding)
Always use back up (a condom or diaphragm) for the rest of the month if you miss a pill. Trial and error, side effects and talking to your doctor should help you to find a contraceptive pill that suits your body. Pregnancies occur mainly when women forget to take a pill or take them incorrectly, vomit, get diarrhoea or, in the case of the mini pill, do not take pills at the same time each day. It is very easy to start a pill packet late if you just forget or if you don't have the next new packet on hand. The most dangerous time to miss a pill is at the end or beginning of a packet because it lengthens the pill free interval beyond seven days which means that you may not have absorbed sufficient synthetic hormones to prevent you from ovulating in the next month.
Estrogen's main job in the contraceptive pill is to prevent ovulation (release of an egg from a woman's ovary). Progestin in the pill, while it does have some intermittent effect on ovulation (about 50% of the time) is relied on mainly to thicken the mucus around the cervix to stop sperm from getting through to an egg.
Contraceptive Pills come in two basic types: single hormone pills (progestin only) and combination hormone pills (estrogen + progestin) Pills are supplied in two basic packs- 28 day pill packs= 3 weeks of active hormone pills +1 week placebo pills and 21 day pill packs= 3 weeks of active hormone pills with no placebo pills.
PROGESTIN only pills (the 'mini pill') do not contain estrogen and only have a small amount of progestin in them. Breastfeeding women are often prescribed these 'mini pills' (estrogen may cause a reduction in milk supply) as well as women who cannot take synthetic estrogen for medical reasons. Side effects are less than pills containing estrogen and they are not associated with heart disease, however, irregular bleeding /spotting/mood swings may occur. Progestin only pills MUST be taken at the same time each day and are affected by vomiting or diarrhoea.This type of contraceptive pill is not affected by antibiotics.
COMBINATION PILLS- contain estrogen and progestin and can be further categorized as being Monophasic, Biphasic or Triphasic- so what do these terms mean? Pills are put into these categories according to whether or not the levels of hormones they contain stay the same throughout the first three weeks of a woman's menstrual cycle (in 28 day pill packs, the pills for the fourth week in the pack are placebo or 'reminder pills' that are inactive and do not contain any hormones)
MONOPHASIC Pill- is one that contains the same amount of hormones in every ACTIVE pill so you are less likely to have mood swings as your hormone levels do not vary much throughout the month. Popular monophasic pills include:Alesse, Brevicon, Desogen, Levlen, Levlite, Loestrin, Modicon, Nelova, Nordette, Norinyl,Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho-Novum, Ovcon, Yasmin. In 2003 the FDA approved a new packaging of a monophasic contraceptive pill called Seasonale. This pill is taken for 91 days, during which no periods occur -so in one year, women taking this pill will only have 4 periods (for the first year though, expect the same no. of menstrual days as with a traditional contraceptive pill till your body adjusts)
BIPHASIC Pill- is one that contains different amounts of hormones throughout the pack. These pills alter your hormone levels once during your cycle by increasing the dosage of progestin about halfway through your cycle and are thought to better match your body's natural production of hormones- they contain smaller doses of hormones in total than monophasic pills. However, insufficient evidence has been gathered to favour these pills over monophasic ones, where much more reliable data is available so monphasic pills are preferred. Breakthrough bleeding has been reported as a side effect with these pills. Popular biphasic pills include : Jenest, Mircette, Necon 10/11, Nelova 10/11, Ortho-Novum 10/11. Attempts to decrease side effects led to the three-phase pill in the 1980s.
TRIPHASE Pill- is one that contains 3 different amounts of hormones in the ACTIVE pills over three weeks, i.e. a change in hormone levels within the body occurs every 7 days for the first 3 weeks.. The dose of estrogen is gradually increased and in some pills, the dose of progestin is also increased. Whether three-phase pills lead to fewer pregnancies than two-phase pills is unknown. Nor is it known if the pills give better cycle control or have fewer side effects. Look for the 'TRI' on the label such as:Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Trivora, Tri-Norinyl, Cyclessa, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.
The Best Pill to Take? All contraceptive pills are effective if taken correctly, with combination pills (containing estrogen and progestin) being more effective than the low dose 'mini pill'. Monophasic pills may be the best to start with- they are cheaper and those with lower amounts of estrogen may have fewer side effects (but more breakthrough bleeding)
Always use back up (a condom or diaphragm) for the rest of the month if you miss a pill. Trial and error, side effects and talking to your doctor should help you to find a contraceptive pill that suits your body. Pregnancies occur mainly when women forget to take a pill or take them incorrectly, vomit, get diarrhoea or, in the case of the mini pill, do not take pills at the same time each day. It is very easy to start a pill packet late if you just forget or if you don't have the next new packet on hand. The most dangerous time to miss a pill is at the end or beginning of a packet because it lengthens the pill free interval beyond seven days which means that you may not have absorbed sufficient synthetic hormones to prevent you from ovulating in the next month.
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