Oral contraceptive pills - Information on major brands
Oral contraceptive pills - Information on major brands
Oral contraception, as the name suggests, is a birth control method used by women not planning to have a baby. These pills are also known as birth control pills and should be taken daily, as prescribed by a doctor.
Daily oral contraception pills are different from emergency contraception. The latter is used by women in case of emergency situations such as forgetting to use a condom, condom breakage or sexual assault. Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent a pregnancy. The most common form of emergency contraception are contraceptive pills, popularly known as morning after pills. Though the name suggests otherwise, these pills can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. You should not confuse these pills with abortion pills. Emergency contraceptive pills do not harm the foetus.
The best way to prevent a pregnancy is abstinence from sex and if you are planning a pregnancy, you should stop taking contraceptive pills. These pills are of two types, one containing progestin while others have estrogen. More than 25 brands of contraceptive pills are available on the market today. Let us have a look at a few effective daily contraceptive pills.
Yasmin
This pill prevents ovulation and makes it harder for sperm to attach to the uterus. It is also used to prevent acne and females who are at least 14 years old can use it. It is also used for treating health conditions such as lack of energy, sleeplessness, breast tenderness, pain and weight gain.
Dianette
Dianette contains two major ingredients, namely cyproterone acetate, a progesterone derivative and ethinylestradiol, a synthetic version of oestrogen. It works by preventing the ripening of eggs from the ovaries as well as making it tougher for sperm to reach the womb.
Marvelon
Marvelon pills contains ethinylestradiol and desogestrel, which prevent a pregnancy by over-riding the normal menstrual cycle. They trick the body into thinking that ovulation has already occurred.
Loestrin
This drug contains ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. This combination of the female hormones prevent the release of an egg from the ovary.
Cerazette
Cerazette tablets are also known as the mini pills or progestogen only pills. They work by changing the quality of the womb lining and make it difficult for sperm to reach the womb.
Millions of women use these pills to prevent pregnancy daily after unprotected sexual intercourse. While these pills are effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy, they do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
You can see good results only if you take these pills as prescribed. Take them on a regular basis, even when you are having your periods. Most of these pills thicken the lining of the womb, making it difficult for sperm to reach the womb and this makes fertilization of eggs less likely.
It is important to use birth control methods such as condoms or spermicides even if you are using these pills. These medications are known to cause birth defects and so, if you are pregnant, you should not use them. Wait for at least 4 weeks after you have a baby before you start using these drugs.