Birth Control Information
Birth control pills (BCPs), also called oral contraceptives or the pill, help you avoid getting pregnant. They help you and your partner plan how many children you want and when to have them. They are made of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which control body functions. These hormones work by preventing ovulation. Ovulation is the time each month when the ovaries make and release an egg cell. Before pregnancy can occur, an egg needs to be fertilized by sperm. Birth control pills keep women from making an egg cell each month. They may also keep a fertilized egg from sticking to the lining of the uterus (womb) and growing into a baby. When BCPs are used correctly, the chances of women getting pregnant are very low.
Different Types of Birth Control Pills
The different types of BCPs include monophasic, multiphasic, progesterone-only, low-dose, and extended cycle BCPs. They have different amounts of estrogen and progesterone, side effects, risks, and schedules for taking them.
Monophasic birth control pills
These pills have the same amount of estrogen and progesterone in each active pill. They may help prevent sudden changes in your mood or feelings caused by changing hormone levels.
Multiphasic birth control pills
The level of hormones in these pills change like those in your body through the month. Each pill has different amounts of estrogen and progesterone depending on the day they will be taken. This helps you get the right amount of hormones and helps prevent any unwanted side effects.
Progesterone-only birth control pills
These BCPs only contain progesterone, which prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm. Progesterone also prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the endometrium and letting a baby grow in the uterus. They may give you less nausea, breast pain, weight gain, and changes in mood than other BCPs.
Low-dose birth control pills
These BCPs have lower amounts of the estrogen and progesterone which may help avoid unwanted side effects. They are available in monophasic and multiphasic forms, and may help prevent blood clots and putting on weight.
Extended cycle birth control pills
These pills are taken every day for three months at a time to stop ovulation. You may also have less frequent periods, or you may miss periods completely. You may have some bleeding during the first 3 to 4 months of use. Do not worry, this should go away after some time. These pills may also be used to treat conditions of your uterus, such as endometriosis.
Birth Control Drug Information
Tri-Sprintec (Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate)
Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat severe acne.
NuvaRing
NuvaRing contains ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). They also cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. NuvaRing is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Ortho Evra
thinyl estradiol and norelgestromin contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Seasonique
Seasonique contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation. It also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Seasonique is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
LoSeasonique
LoSeasonique contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). It also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. LoSeasonique is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
