Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

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HealthWiki > Where Women Have No Doctor > Medicines Pages > Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)

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The Medicines Pages

 

The Medicines Pages

Most birth control pills contain 2 hormones similar to those normally made by the body. These hormones are called estrogen and progestin. Usually, brands that contain a smaller amount of both hormones are the safest and work best for most people.

Birth control pills come in different strengths of each hormone and are sold under many different brand names. We list only a few brands in the chart below. Groups 1, 2, and 3 list different types of combined pills

Group 1 - Triphasic pills These contain low amounts of both estrogen and progestin in a mix that changes throughout the month. Since the amounts change, it is important to take the pills in order.
Brand names:	Logynon Qlaira	Synfase or Synphase	Trinordiol Trinovium	Triquilar Triphasil
Group 2 - Low dose pills These contain low amounts of estrogen and progestin in a mix that stays the same throughout the month.
Brand names:	Alesse Brevicon Cilest	Diane Femodene Gynera	Harmonet Norinyl 1+35, 1+50	Ovysmen 1/35
Group 3 - Low dose pills These pills are high in progestin and low in estrogen.
Brand names:	Lo-Femenal Lo-Ovral	Microgynon 30 Microvlar	Nordette

Taking birth control pills will usually make your menstrual periods lighter. This may be good for your health if you have anemia.

To assure effectiveness and minimize spotting (small amounts of bleeding at other times than your normal period), take the pill at the same time each day. If spotting continues after 3 or 4 months, try one of the brands in Group 3.

If you have very heavy monthly bleeding or your breasts become painful before your period, a brand low in estrogen but high in progestin may be better. See the pills in Group 3.

Minipills (progestin-only pills) should be taken at the same time every day, even during your period. Menstrual bleeding is often irregular when using minipills. There is also an increased chance of pregnancy if you forget to take even one pill.

Group 4 - Group 4 - Minipills (progestin-only pills) Minipills contain only progestin.
Brand names:	Femulen Microlut	Micronor Micronovum	Neogest Microval	Ovrette

This page was updated:13 Nov 2023