When choosing an oral contraceptive, or birth control pill, it can be hard to decide which one to take since there are so many different brands, kinds and regimens of pills. To find out which kind of pill is best for you, talk to your doctor about your health history and the risks and benefits of each type of oral contraceptive.
Monophasic Pills
Monophasic pill packs consist of pills that contain the same amount of estrogen and progesterone in each pill. The continuity of hormones may help with mood swings and breakthrough bleeding. Examples of monophasic pills include the brand-name pills Alesse, Desogen, Ortho-Cept and Loestrin.
Multiphasic Pills
According to the Physician's Desk Reference, multiphasic pills are birth control pills that also have estrogen and progesterone in them, but the amount of hormones in these pill packs varies. This helps simulate the natural fluctuations of hormones in your body. Depending on the week in the cycle, the pills have varying amounts of estrogen and progesterone. Brand names of pills in this category include Mircette, Ortho-Tri-Cyclen and Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.
Extended Cycle Pills
As per the Mayo Clinic, the traditional birth control pills that are taken are on a 28-day cycle, which emulates the natural menstrual cycle. Usually active pills are taken for the first 21 days, and for the last seven days a placebo is taken; this is when your period starts. Extended cycle pills like Seasonale and Seasonique are taken on a three-month cycle. You take active pills for three months and then, depending on which brand you take, you take either seven days of placebo pills or low-dose estrogen, respectively. There is even a relatively new pill called Lybrel, which is taken continuously for one year and is aimed to stop menstrual cycles for that duration.
Progestin-Only or "Mini-Pills"
The synthetic progesterone in birth control pills is progestin, and mini-pills only contain this hormone. It helps prevent pregnancy as well as the traditional pills if taken at the same time every day. Timing is more important for these pills than the combination pills. You cannot "double up" after missing a pill with these pills and be protected against pregnancy, as you can with the combination pills. Women who are breastfeeding commonly take this pill, since estrogen decreases milk supply and the quality of breast milk. Some women who have more risks when taking the regular pill (those who smoke, have a history of blood clots and overweight women) take this pill since it is safer for them.
