List of Contraceptive Medications

Contraceptive medications are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Several types of oral contraceptives are available for sexually active women. Each type of pill contains hormones, but the types and amounts of hormones in each contraceptive vary. When used correctly, contraceptive medications can effectively prevent pregnancy, but they do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Monophasic

Monophasic contraceptives contain the same amount of hormone in each pill. Because this offers a steady dose of hormones, these pills can be used to treat some of the symptoms caused by hormone fluctuations. These birth control pills cause fewer side effects than multiphasic pills, which contain different doses of hormones within each pack of pills. Monophasic pills are usually recommended as the first choice for oral contraception, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Multiphasic

Multiphasic birth control pills contain the same hormones as monophasic pills, but they contain different doses of these hormones within each pill pack. The fluctuating doses of hormone mimic the body's natural hormone fluctuations, so unwanted side effects are prevented. Biphasic birth control pills provide two different levels of hormones on a monthly basis, while triphasic contraceptive pills offer three hormone levels each month.

Low-Dose

Low-dose oral contraceptives contain lower doses of progesterone and estrogen. Since these hormones are associated with side effects such as weight gain and blood clots, lower doses can prevent unwanted side effects while still providing protection from pregnancy. Dr. Donnica Moore, a women's health expert and former women's health contributor on NBC's Later Today, explains that low-dose pills contain 35 micrograms of estrogen or less. Ultra low-dose pills contain 20 micrograms of estrogen.

Progesterone-Only

Progesterone-only contraceptive pills do not contain estrogen, but they contain progesterone. This hormone prevents the fallopian tubes from releasing an egg. Progesterone also blocks fertilization by thickening the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot pass through. Because progesterone-only pills do not contain estrogen, they can help women avoid some of the unwanted side effects associated with combination pills. These side effects include weight gain, mood swings, nausea and breast pain.

Extended Cycle

Extended cycle contraceptives prevent ovulation, causing a woman to have fewer menstrual periods or completely skip menstrual periods. This type of pill is taken every day for three months and may cause breakthrough bleeding for the first three to four months. Thomson Healthcare indicates that extended cycle pills can also be used to treat endometriosis and other medical conditions that affect the uterus.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception pills are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. These pills can be used if another method of contraception failed or if no protection was used during sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills contain the same hormones as daily birth control pills, except the hormones are in higher doses. They work to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus so the sperm is prevented from fertilizing an egg. Drugs designed for emergency contraception have an 89 percent effectiveness rate when used within 72 hours of intercourse, according to Planned Parenthood.