Choosing the Right Type of Birth Control Pills

Choosing the shape, content and type of birth control pills depends on the individuals that want to use them and the final decision is left to the gynecologist. The main goal in this process is to find pills that provide minimal intake of hormones in the body and secure regular menstrual cycle. These pills prevent pregnancy through: prevention of ovulation, affecting the mucosa and cervix in order to block the path of the semen, affecting the uterus so it won’t accept fertilized eggs or affect the fallopian tubes. In addition to the many advantages they have they also have some unwanted side effects too.

The so-called combined contraceptives, those that contain progesterone and estrogen are the most efficient way to prevent unwanted pregnancy (in addition to surgical procedures) and they are available in a form of pills. There are several types of birth control pills – monophasic, biphasic, three-phase pills and pills for a 91-day cycle. A woman can start practicing this form of contraception only after approval by a gynecologist who determines the type of pill and approves the end of this method at patient’s request. These pills can usually be bought only on prescription. 

Monophasic birth control pills contain both progesterone and estrogen and they consist of sets for the entire cycle – 21 days. They come in the same color and they are most appropriate in cases of switching the menstrual weeks. After 21 days of taking these pills there should be a one week break when the period occurs. If a woman wants for some reason to get her period a week earlier than usual she can simply avoid using the last seven pills. Ortho Tri-Cyclen 

Buphasic birth control pills contain two different doses of progesterone. The amount of progesterone intake starts to increase at halfway through the cycle. The amount of estrogen remains the same throughout the entire cycle. Some experts suggest that lack of biphasic pills can lead to bleeding.

Three-phase birth control pills gradually increase the dose of estrogen during the cycle. Some of them even increase the dose of progesterone. They usually come in four colors and in case when a woman that uses this type of pills want to change the date of her period it is more likely that she will experience increased bleeding.

91-day birth control pills are actually a type of monophasic contraceptive pills that are approved for 91-day cycle on a daily basis. These pills retain menstrual period for 84 days. Users have period once in every three months. Occurrence of occasional mild bleeding is possible.

Urgent or morning pills are a type of birth control pills used only in situations of unexpected sexual intercourse or rapes in cases of unwanted ejaculation of seminal fluid in the vagina. It is necessary to take two pills after the sexual act is finished. These pills should be taken as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours after the sex act is finished. If the pill is taken too late it is possible to conceive.