What are birth control pills

The birth control pills, which were approved by the Food and Drug Administration about 49 years age, still continues to be the most effective firm of birth control. In the US, women have the liberty to choose from 40 different contraceptives.

The pills, by which it is commonly called, comes in two types - combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both these pills consist of hormones that are typical of a woman's ovary.

Progestin-only pills

Progestin-only pills, which are also known as mini-pills, is available in the market since 1970. But these pills make only up to 10 per cent of the contraceptive market, as their use has been limited. As Progestin-only pills contain no estrogen, they do not prevent ovulation. If the pill has to work effectively, it has to be taken at a particular time every day. The effect is even reduced if a pill is missed.

However, the Progestin-only pills have some advantages. As they do not contain estrogen, they are a good choice for breast-feeding mothers. The pill is also good for women who come across certain health conditions like headache, cardiovascular diseases and thromboembolis while using combined pills. The Progestin-only pills also do not come with side effects that are common with combined pills. Spotting days and bleeding during the periods are seen to be higher when using Progestin-only pills.

Combination pills

Combination pills are contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin. These combined pills come in monophasic and multiphasic pills. The combined pills are seen to be most effective in preventing ovulation.

Monophasic pills

A pack of Monophasic pills contains the same amount of the two hormones - estrogen and progestin - in all the active pills. Some of the monophasic pills include Brevicon, Alesse, Desogen, Levlite, Levlen, Loestrin, Norinyl, Nelova, Modicon, Nordette,Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Novum, Ortho-Cyclen, Ovcon and Yasmin. As Monophasic pills contain the same hormone levels in all the active pills, it is unlikely to cause any side effects like mood changes, which can lead to fluctuating hormone levels.

The FDA has approved in 2003 a new monophasic pill known as Seasonale. Women using this pill will have periods only for four times a year. The Pill contains the same amount of estrogen and progestin as in other monophasic pills. Though a lot of monophasic pills are used, Seasonale is the only product that has been approved.

Multiphasic pills

It was in the 1980's that Multiphasic pills were developed. The pills contain varying amounts of hormones and have to be taken at particular times throughout the schedule. These mutliphasic contraceptives were developed for reducing the side effects caused by other contraceptives, including spotting, bleeding and amenorrhea. The multiphasic pills may come as biphasic or triphasic pills.

The biphasic pills are known to change the hormone levels once during the menstrual period. About half way through the periods, the progesterone dose is also increased. Jenest, Necon 10/11, Mircette, Nelova 10/11 and Ortho-Novum 10/11 are some of the known biphasic pills.

Triphasic pills contain three different hormone doses in the active pills. Triphasic pills slowly increases the estrogen dose and some pills may increase the progesterone dose. Cyclessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Triphasil, Trivora, Tri-Levlen and Tri-Norinyl are some of the triphasic contraceptives.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP)

Emergency contraceptive pills, which are not to be used regularly, help to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Plan b is the only ECP hat has been approved by the FDA.

ECP Advantages:

- Reduces the chance of unwanted pregnancy

- Is easily obtained in the market.

Disadvantages:

- The timing is most important while using the ECP. The first dose has to be taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex.

Which Pill is better?

The first option is the monophasic contraceptives. The monophasic pills with very low estrogen content are known to cause fewer side effects like bleeding, breast tenderness and bloating. The combination pills also have their own advantages and are more effective than the Progestin-only pills as they contain estrogen and progestogen.