Nobody talks openly about contraception around you, so it’s no surprise if you don’t know much about it. Birth control or contraception refers to a way to prevent pregnancy. When we talk about birth control, there are a number of methods out there that can get the job done. Let’s have a brief look at those methods.
What are the Various Methods of Birth Control
- Condoms
- IUDs
- Birth control shots
- Birth control pills/ contraceptive pills
- Vasectomy
- Rhythm method
- Vaginal ring
- Tubal ligation
In this article we will talk about the simplest method of birth control known as emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) or birth control pills.
What are Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills, hormonal contraceptives, combination pills, or simply ‘the pill’ are all names for oral contraceptives used to prevent conception.
They are one of the most widely used methods of birth control, with an estimated 100 million women worldwide using them.
In Pakistan Birth control pills are available in pharmacies and can be purchased from your local drug store with a prescription.
How Do Birth Control Pills Actually Work?
Birth control tablets operate by thickening cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg. They can also hinder women from ovulating, which prevent your ovaries from producing an egg every month.
The small pill thins your endometrium, which is a uterine membrane where an egg attaches itself after fertilization. A thinner endometrium makes it more difficult for an egg to implant, decreasing the odds of pregnancy.
Progestin-only tablets also thicken the mucus surrounding the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the womb. They may also prevent you from ovulating.
Types of Birth Control Pills
There are mainly two types of birth control pills
1. Combination Pills (“The Pill”)
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), popularly known as “the pill,” is a birth control pill that prevents conception by combining two synthetic hormones, oestrogen and progestin. They are typically taken at the same time every day for 28 days. Consult your doctor for expert guidance on the proper dosage of such medications for optimal efficiency in avoiding pregnancy. It is more than 99 percent effective when used perfectly and 91 percent effective when used normally, factoring for flaws such as scheduling issues or missing doses. They are not effective against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
2. Progestin-only pills (“The Mini Pill”)
The progestin-only pill (POP), sometimes known as “the little pill,” is another form of birth control pill. Unlike its predecessor, this birth control pill contains just progestin and no oestrogen. Some women who cannot use estrogen owing to health issues may prefer the tiny pill as their preferred form of birth control. Because estrogen is known to impair breast milk supply, breastfeeding women choose the minipill.
POP is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when taken appropriately. When errors are taken into account, the effectiveness falls to roughly 93 percent. It, like the COCP, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
3. Plan B/Morning After Pill
The emergency contraceptive pill is affordable and readily available. If your other contraceptive options fail, the ECP “may” help you avoid unwanted pregnancies if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. However, it is a very powerful hormone dosage that cannot be used as a regular type of contraception! That’s why it’s called Plan B.
List of Birth Control Pills in Pakistan
1. Emkit-DS
- Levonorgestrel 1.5mg
- 99% effective emergency contraceptive pills used in case of unprotected sex.
- 1 tablet of Emkit DS (Levonorgestrel 1.5mg) once within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (like condom rupture or missing/irregular pills).
2. Novodol
- Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol.
- Effective in birth control
- Contains 28 tablets
3. Nordette
- Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol
- Contains 28 tablets
- Effective in birth control
4. Yaz
- Ethinyl estradiol and Drospirenone
- contains 28 tablets
- helps in preventing pregnancy
- Also beneficial in irregular periods and period pains
- Protection against endometrial & ovarian cancer.
5. Desofam
- Desogestrel 0.15with Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03
- 3rd Generation Contraception with added benefits.
- Safe for long term use.
- Improves acne and mood changes.
- Reduces facial hair growth.
- Protection against endometrial & ovarian cancer.
- Good cycle control & less period pain.
6. Meliane
- Gestodene and Ethinyl estradiol
- It is available in a pack of 21 tablets.
- Effective in preventing pregnancy.
7. Omatril
- Lynestrenol as the main ingredient
- Omatril is effective in preventing pregnancy
- May also be beneficial for treating acne, irregular periods, and period pain.
8. Diane 35
- Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol.
- Dual Action Pill
- It prevents pregnancy, an anti-androgen in women with acne and excessive facial hair development.
- Can lead to infertility with continuous use
9. Famila 28
- Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03 mg
- The most acceptable & reliable low dose combined oral pills for birth spacing.
- Extremely suitable for common use due to its special formulation.
- Chances of becoming pregnant is approximately 1% per year.
10.Acnot
- Cyproterone Acetate BP+ Ethinyl estradiol BP
- The Pill with Dual Action.
- Effective therapy for hyper androgenic disorder including Acne.
- Superior contraceptive efficacy.
- Good cycle control & tolerability.
- Excellent long-term safety profile.
- No alteration in body weight.
Side Effects of birth control pills
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Swollen breasts
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Weight changes
- Breakthrough bleeding
Important Note:
All these contraceptive pills are basically hormonal changing pills. Although these are easily available and safe to use but these basically change the hormonal balance in women. It is very important to consult a well-known gynecologist before taking any of the contraceptive pills. They can guide you better according to your medical history and health conditions. So it is always recommended to avoid self-medication doctor’s prescription with you to buy these pills from any pharmacy.
