Since the legalization of birth control pills, they have become one of the most popular forms of female contraception. Nearly 70% of women are estimated to use some type of birth control to avoid pregnancy during their childbearing years. Many women prefer to use birth control pills due to their easy use, availability, safety, limited to no side effects, and effectiveness.
What is the best birth control pill?
It is quite evident that everyone’s body is different. In order to figure out the perfect birth control pill that fits you, you should have an open talk with your doctor or gynecologist. The journey to establish the best birth control pill that fits you in any situation can usually take some trial and error and needs you to have an open conversation with your physician.
Types of Birth Control Pills
Here’s a brief explanation of the various types of pills available on this site PricePro Pharmacy and offline:
Combination birth control pills
Combination pills are usually a mix of two hormones such as estrogen and progestin.
The combination birth control pill prevents pregnancy in mainly three ways:
- It averts sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it. Sperm is stopped due to a thickening of the cervical mucus.
- Suppressing ovulation.
- Thinning the uterus’ endometrial lining
Advantages
- Shorter, lighter, and more regular periods
- Less severe menstrual cramps
- Improved acne
- Less severe PMS
- This type of pill prevents period-related anemia as it results in the less intense periods
- It reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
Disadvantages
- Breast tenderness
- Breakthrough bleeding or irregular menstruation
- Bloating
- Nausea and weight gain
- More and increased risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and other heart-related issues
Extended cycle pills
Extended cycle pills are a type of combination pill, nonetheless, they create longer cycles and are designed to be taken over longer periods of time.
Advantages
- Fewer periods
- Potentially lighter, shorter periods
Disadvantages
- Potential spotting between periods
- Possibility of heavier periods
Mini-pills
The mini-pill is a birth control pill that contains only progestin hormone, which is usually a synthesized version of the naturally occurring hormone, progesterone.
Advantages
- Quite a safer option if you have a medical condition like the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, cardiovascular concerns, or if you frequently suffer from migraines
- It can be used if you are somewhat sensitive to estrogen
- This type of pills can be easily used instantly after giving birth if you are breastfeeding
- Shorter return to fertility
Disadvantages
- You should consume at the same time on a regular basis in order to be effective
- A little more failure rate in comparison with the combination pill
Low-dose pills
Low-dose birth control pills are a type of combination pill that have lower hormone levels compared to other types of birth control pills.
Advantages
- Reduced estrogen-related side effects
- Fewer side effects than higher-dose pills
- Less severe menstrual cramping and PMS
- Reduction of acne
- Reduced risk of ovarian cancer
- Period regulation
Disadvantages
- Slight risk of increased blood pressure
- Rare probability for blood clots
- Spotting between periods
- Headache
- Nausea
Emergency Contraception Pill
Emergency contraception pills, sometimes known as the morning pill, are generally used by women after having unprotected sex, or in an event of breaking a condom.
Advantages
- Available over the counter
- No I.D. required
- Unisex pill as the person of any gender can buy it
- Inexpensive
- Highly effective
- Little to no side effects
- Single dose
Disadvantages
- Lightheaded
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- If you vomiting within two hours of consuming the pill, it becomes ineffective
- Not suitable for women taking medication for liver problems, epilepsy, or severe asthma
