Types of Birth Control Pills Available

There are several types of birth control pills available for oral use. When selecting a birth control pill, women should consider their age, medical history and menstrual cycle. Working with a doctor to select the best contraceptive pill can help prevent unwanted side effects and ensure the highest level of effectiveness.

Combination Pills

Combination birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. Within the combination birth control pill category are monophasic and multiphasic pills. Monophasic birth control pills all contain the same amounts of progestin and estrogen. Multiphasic pills, also known as biphasic and triphasic birth control pills, contain different amounts of hormones. These pills are to be taken at specific times during a woman's menstrual cycle. Combination pills may be taken for 21, 28 or 91 days, or they may be taken continuously to prevent menstruation from occurring. This type of birth control pill has many advantages. It reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers, reduces menstrual cramps, decreases blood loss during the period and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. However, combination pills can cause side effects such as headaches, irregular bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weight gain and breast tenderness.

Progestin-Only Pills

Progestin-only pills do not contain any estrogen. These pills are also known as mini-pills. These pills prevent ovulation, which results in a thinning of the endometrium. It also makes the cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg and causing pregnancy. Progestin-only pills should be taken at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness. The advantages of mini-pills include decreased blood loss during the menstrual period and a reduction in menstrual cramps. These pills are ideal for women who are breastfeeding or cannot take pills containing estrogen for other medical reasons. Side effects may include irregular bleeding, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness and missed menstrual periods.

Emergency Contraceptives

Some birth control pills can be used as emergency contraceptives but should not be used for regular birth control. One of the most common emergency contraceptive pills is Plan B, which contains high doses of levonorgestrel. Plan B was originally available in a two-dose regimen, but the FDA later approved a one-dose version of the emergency contraceptive. In order to purchase Plan B, a woman has to be at least 17. No prescription is required, but proof of age must be provided to the pharmacist at the time of purchase. The major advantage of emergency contraceptives is the prevention of unintended pregnancies. Another advantage is that an emergency contraceptive can be purchased and stored in case a condom breaks or other methods of birth control fail. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain and an early or late menstrual period. Some combination or progestin-only birth control pills can be used as emergency contraceptives if Plan B is not available or if it is too expensive. Seek the advice of a medical professional to determine the proper dosages and dosing schedule if using birth control pills for this purpose.