Different types of oral contraceptives have been introduced into the market which has become quite popular method among women. Most women prefer oral contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Oral contraceptive pill is the most popular method among women to prevent unwanted pregnancy. You will find that there are two categories of oral contraceptives available,
'the pill' and 'mini pill'. 'The pill' are also known as the combined pills as they contain more than one hormone unlike the 'mini pill' that contains just one hormone, which gives you protection in three ways. It tricks the body into believing that ovulation has already occurred, so that an egg is not released. The hormones prevent the womb lining from thickening so that the egg can't bury itself and grow. And they also thicken the cervical mucus lining to prevent the sperm from entering the womb. The popular combined pills available on the market are Marvelon, Cilest, Mercilon, and Ovranette.
Let's discuss each of the above mentioned pills, so as to help you out.
Marvelon
Marvelon is a combined pill which has been proven to be almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. The two active ingredients in this pill are ethinylestradiol (30 micrograms), which is a synthetic oestrogen and desogestrel (150 micrograms), which is a synthetic progestogen. The major benefit of this pill is that it gives you immediate protection if taken on the very first day of your period and also make your period quite comfortable for you. The pills are to be taken for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 pill-free days
Women who are 18 years of age or above and are looking for a long-term contraception can take this pill. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid these pills as it may produce sever side effects for you. But if your over 35 and smoke, or if you have a history of stroke, and circulation or heart problems you should take this pill.
The most common side effects of this pill are headaches, nausea, vomiting, breast pain or tenderness, and loss of sex drive and periods.
Cilest
Cilest is another combined pill which constitutes the active ingredients of ethinylestradiol (35 micrograms) and norgestimate (250 micrograms). This pill should be taken on the very first day of your period once a day and at the same time everyday. The additional benefits of this pill is that it makes your period less painful and lighter and also allows you to predict when your next period will be.
Women who are above 18 and are looking for long-term oral contraception can take this pill. Women with the following conditions should avoid taking this pill:
Phlebitis
Blood clotting
Hepatitis
Jaundice
Severe skin itching
Moderate / severe high blood pressure
The commonly noticed side effects of this pill are nausea, headaches, vomiting, breast tenderness, weight fluctuations, fluid retention and vaginal thrash.
Mercilon
Mercilon is a combination pill which contains the active ingredients of ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms) and desogestrel (150 micrograms) which have proven to be almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. It should be taken on the very first day of your period for 21 consecutive days with 7 pill-free days. This pill also helps reducing the painful pre-menstrual symptoms and periods.
Women who are above 18 years of age can take this pill but women with liver, heart, and circulation problems should avoid taking this pill. The common side effects of this pill are nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding between periods.
Ovranette
Ovranette also known as the pill contains two active ingredients namely ethinylestradiol (30 micrograms) and levonorgestrel (150 micrograms) which help in prevention of pregnancy. This pill needs to be taken for 21 days and on the very first day of your period so as to get the immediate protection against pregnancy. This pill also helps in treating endometriosis and long and painful periods. Women above the age of 18 can take this pill, but a few women with certain medical conditions such as being pregnant or breastfeeding, heart, liver or circulation problems, and women who are above 35 and smoke may not be able to take this pill.
The commonly noticed side effects of this pill are nausea, low sex drive, headaches, and weight gain.
These pills can also be bought online if you don't want to consult your local doctor.
