How to know which birth control pill is right for you?

 

Birth control precautions

Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, are medications you take by mouth to prevent pregnancy. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source, they’re an effective method of birth control with a success rate of about 91 percent (or a failure rate of 9 percent).

Oral contraceptives that contain small amounts of hormones are known as birth control pills. Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary. Some birth control pills also alter the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

Birth control pills come in a pack with one pill for each day of the 28-day cycle. You take a birth control pill on a daily basis, usually at the same time each day, depending on the pill. This keeps certain hormones elevated, reducing your chances of becoming pregnant.

Complementary pills

The hormones estrogen and progesterone are synthesized in combination pills (called progestin in its synthetic form). The menstrual cycle is controlled by estrogen.

Estrogen levels are highest in the middle of your cycle and lowest when your period comes. Progesterone thickens the endometrium, preparing the uterus for pregnancy after ovulation. Ovulation is also prevented by high progesterone levels. A 28-pack of combination pills is available. The majority of the pills in each cycle are active, meaning they contain hormones.

The rest of the pills are inactive, meaning they don't contain hormones. Combination pills come in a variety of forms:

Monophasic tablets:  These are rotated every month. Each active pill delivers the same hormone dose. You can take (or skip) the inactive pills during the last week of the cycle and still get your period.

Multiphasic tablets:  These are used in one-month cycles and provide various hormone levels throughout the cycle. You can take or skip the inactive pills during the last week of the cycle and still get your period.

Extended-cycle pills:  Typically, these are used in 13-week cycles. You take active pills for 12 weeks and then have your period during the last week of the cycle, whether you take or skip the inactive pills. As a result, you will only have your period three to four times a year.

Progestin-only pills

Progestin-only pills are devoid of estrogen and only contain progesterone (synthetic progesterone). The minipill is another name for this type of pill. In women who have heavy periods, progestin-only pills can help reduce bleeding. They may be a good option for people who are unable to take estrogen due to health or other factors, such as a history of stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and/or deep vein thrombosis. If you're over 35 and smoke, you should avoid estrogen because the two together can increase your risk of a blood clot. All of the pills in the cycle are active when using progestin-only pills. You may or may not have a period while taking progestin-only pills because there are no inactive pills.

Not everyone is a good fit for every type of pill. Consult your doctor to determine which pill option is best for you. The following factors may influence your decision:

Symptoms of menstruation If you experience heavy bleeding, a progestin-only birth control pill may be preferable to a combination pill.

Whether you're nursing or not. If you're breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to avoid estrogen-containing birth control pills.

Your cardiovascular system's condition. A progestin-only birth control pill may be recommended if you have a history of stroke, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis