"The Pill"

 

You take your birth control by mouth. You can use it for 21 days with a 7-day break or continuously for months at a time. 

 

Pros:

 

  • Handy to start & Stop
  • Can be tailored to your needs - Plenty of choice with levels and types of ingredients

 

Cons:

 

  • Have to remember
  • It can be less effective (as not fully absorbed) in women above 90kg.

 

 

 

 

Patches

 

Here, you apply a patch once a week for three weeks and then are patch free for one week. It combines both Oestrogen & Progesterone. It is easier to remember than tablets, and people feel it is more natural. 

 

Pros:

 

  • Only have to remember each week.
  • Some women don't like earing a patch or patch falls off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal Rings 

 

This is inserted for three weeks of a cycle and then removed for one week. It allows for 99% effective contraception but uses lower doses than the OCP. These are popular with women who consistently forget the Pill or suffer side effects from the oral contraceptive pill. 

 

Pros:

 

  • Allows for excellent protection while only using low dose oestrogen
  • Only have to remember once a month

 

Cons:

  • Some people don't find inserting it comfortable or pleasant.

 

 

 

 

Injections 

 

Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a three-month progesterone-only injection.

 

Pros:

 

  • You do not have a breakthrough bleeding on this product.
  • It's great for women who regularly miss their Pill, who do not want a monthly bleed or for whom Oestrogen is not suitable.

 

 Cons:

 

  • Have to remember when it was given.

 

 

 

Implant

 

 

This small plastic rod is placed just under your skin (in the arm) and releases low etonogestrel levels (i.e. Progesterone). It is 99% effective. It lasts three years.

 

Pros:

 

  • Only have to remember to take it every three years
  • No monthly bleeds (for most women)
  • Suitable for women who wish or need to avoid Oestrogen.

 

 

 Cons:

 

  • Have to remember when it was inserted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inter Uterine Device (IUD)

 

This contains low levels of Progesterone (levonorgestrel) and lasts for five years.

 

Pros:

 

  • Only have to change every 5 years
  • No monthly bleeds
  • Low does Progesterone
  • No Oestrogen is so suitable for women who wish to avoid Oestrogen.

 

 

Cons:

 

  • Uncomfortable and expensive to fit
  • Fertility may take a while to come back
  • It is linked to ectopic pregnancy in people who have not had a child.
  • Have to remember when it was inserted.

 

 

 

 

 

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

 

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Disclaimer

Please be aware that the information on our site is for information only. While we hope you find it helpful, it is not our intention for our articles to be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect you may have a health issue or wish to start taking any medicine, please consult your pharmacist, doctor or contact us directly. You can get in touch with us by phone, email, online chat or text. We would be delighted to run through any concerns you may have.  Our goal is to deliver health directly to you - pleasantly and effectively. However, dPharmacy will not accept responsibility for any side effects or health damages from the use of medicines offered on this site.