Birth Control Pills: Prescription Names And Their Importance (2025)

Birth control pills are a type of oral hormonal contraceptive that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. They are the most commonly prescribed form of contraception in the US, with approximately 25% of women aged 15 to 44 opting for this method. The pills contain hormones that regulate menstruation, decrease PMS symptoms, lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, improve acne, and treat endometriosis. There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills (also known as combined oral contraceptives or COCs) and progestin-only pills (also called the minipill or POPs). While combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, progestin-only pills contain just one hormone, progestin.

Combination pills

The most common type of combination pill contains either 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills or 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills. They are over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. However, it is important to take them consistently and correctly every day to maintain their effectiveness.

When starting combination pills, it is recommended to use an additional form of birth control for the first 7 days as protection from pregnancy during this initial period. It is also important to note that, unlike condoms, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, using condoms in conjunction with the pill is advised to reduce the risk of STIs.

Progestin-only pills

With perfect use, which means never missing a pill and always taking it at the same time each day, fewer than 1 in 100 women get pregnant during the first year of using progestin-only pills. However, with typical use, about 7 in 100 POP users become pregnant in the first year. It is important to note that progestin-only pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so additional protection is needed if there is a risk of STIs.

Morning-after pills

Birth control pills are a type of oral hormonal contraception that prevents pregnancy. They are the most commonly prescribed form of contraception in the US, with around 25% of women aged 15 to 44 opting for this method. These pills are to be taken daily and are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

There are two types of birth control pills:

• Combination pills: These contain estrogen and progestin and are the most common type. They are also known as combined oral contraceptives (COCs).
• Progestin-only pills: These are also called "the minipill" and may be preferred by those who are breastfeeding or have a history of clots or strokes.

Now, let's focus on the Morning-after pill, which is a type of emergency contraception.

The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception that can be used after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. It is not meant to be a primary form of birth control and should not replace typical birth control methods. This pill works by preventing or delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from an ovary. It does not end a pregnancy that has already begun.

Timing is critical with the morning-after pill, and it is most effective when taken immediately after unprotected sex. It is available without a prescription and can be purchased at local drug stores. The over-the-counter version is effective for up to three days after unprotected sex, while the prescription-only version is effective for up to five days. However, for optimal effectiveness, it should be taken within 24 hours.

Some brand names of the morning-after pill include:

• Plan B One-Step®: This is a one-dose pill containing 1.5 milligrams of the hormone levonorgestrel, which is also found in lower doses in many birth control pills. It is considered safe and generally well-tolerated, but it may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and changes to the menstrual cycle.
• Ella®: This pill requires a prescription and can be used within five days of unprotected sex.
• Aftera, Fallback Solo, Preventeza, Take Action, and Opcicon One-Step: These are additional brand names of emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel.

It is important to note that the morning-after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. Additionally, it may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or allergies, and it may be less effective for individuals who are not at a healthy weight.

If you have any questions or concerns about the morning-after pill or other forms of contraception, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a specialist like an obstetrician or gynecologist. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your medical history and lifestyle factors.

Low-dose pills

Low-dose birth control pills, also known as very-low-dose birth control pills, mini pills, or progestin-only pills, contain lower amounts of hormones compared to regular birth control pills. They are typically prescribed for women who are perimenopausal or those who prefer a lower-hormone contraceptive option.

Effectiveness and Benefits

Low-dose birth control pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a 99% success rate when taken consistently and correctly every day. They offer several potential health benefits beyond contraception. They can help regulate heavy or irregular periods, reduce PMS symptoms, and lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. Additionally, they may prevent bone loss, protecting against osteoporosis, and can also improve acne and treat endometriosis.

Side Effects and Contraindications

While many women taking low-dose birth control pills experience minimal or no side effects, some possible adverse effects include breast tenderness, nausea, higher blood pressure, and headaches. It's important to note that these pills may not effectively regulate periods in all cases and could worsen abnormal bleeding. They are not recommended for perimenopausal women with a history of deep blood clots, breast cancer, or heart disease, or for perimenopausal women who smoke. Women over 35 who smoke cigarettes and take these pills are at an increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart attack, blood clots, and stroke.

Brands and Availability

Commonly available brands of low-dose progestin-only birth control pills include Camila®, Errin®, Heather®, Jolivette®, Micronor®, and Nora-BE®. Lo Loestrin® Fe is another low-dose option that contains a low daily dose of estrogen. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option based on individual needs and medical history.

Extended-cycle pills

Extended-cycle birth control pills are a type of combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These pills are taken for two or more cycles without stopping, followed by a planned, hormone-free break during which the user experiences a period. This "extended" cycle results in longer gaps between vaginal bleeding and fewer periods overall.

Each brand of extended-cycle pill has its own instructions, but they typically involve taking an active pill every day for an extended period, usually 84 days (12 weeks), followed by a 7-day break during which the user experiences withdrawal bleeding. During this break, the user may take a placebo, a low-dose estrogen pill, or no pill at all, depending on the specific brand. After the 7-day break, the user resumes taking the active pills. It is important to note that some extended-cycle pills are more of a continuous cycle pill, meaning there is no break for withdrawal bleeding.

There are several benefits to using extended-cycle birth control pills. Firstly, they can provide relief from heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can be worsened by periods. Additionally, they may be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or conditions that make it difficult to use menstrual hygiene products. Extended-cycle pills also offer the same high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy as traditional 28-day birth control pill packs because they contain the same types of hormones.

However, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with extended-cycle pills, as with any hormonal birth control. A small percentage of people who use combination hormone pills containing estrogen may be at risk for blood clots, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and stroke. Additionally, breakthrough bleeding may occur, especially for those who smoke. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss individual risk factors with a healthcare professional before starting extended-cycle pills.

To obtain extended-cycle birth control pills, a prescription is required. The first step is to consult a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist, primary care physician, or family physician, to discuss medical history, sexual activity, and contraceptive preferences. If extended-cycle pills are deemed suitable, the healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate pills and provide instructions on how to take them correctly, including information on potential side effects and what to do if a dose is missed.

Frequently asked questions