The minipill slows an egg's progress through the fallopian tubes, thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium — all of which help prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Also, cutting back on sodium and drinking more water will help keep the body from retaining fluid. The combined pill has been around since the 1960s, and may be issued to someone who is taking birth control for the first time and is otherwise healthy. © 2021 Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. Which birth control method is right for you? Birth control pills – taken every day; These methods don't protect you or your sex partner from STDs. This is the other major type of birth control pill, commonly referred to as the “minipill”. That means you are probably looking into the best birth control options. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Birth control pills: OK to take indefinitely? (Your mom probably used it at some point.) This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Anyone can get an STD. From condoms to the Pill to IUDs, find the ones that the best fit your lifestyle with this personalized test. birth control options for sexual health, heres exactly how to find the best birth control pill for, birth control especially for teens acog, 7 facts anyone taking birth control should know vox, difference between plan b and take action difference between However, before you go right ahead and figure out which ones is best, you must talk to your doctor first just in case there may be a better option out there for you. Here's how to find the best birth control pill for you. I know the pill can have side effects and some pills affect females' hormonal balances more so than perhaps other pills. Once you have read this information, you can go to your GP or local contraceptive (or … The good: It’s tried-and-true. Learn the pros and cons of different types of birth control pills. Bear in mind too that this list isn’t all-encompassing. Certain birth control pills contain hormones that can help reduce or eliminate acne. The variety of birth control pills available, though, can seem daunting. During ovulation an egg is released from the ovaries, without ovulation there is no egg to be fertilised and pregnancy cannot occur. Contraception. There are a wide variety of combination pills to choose from, depending on how often you want to have periods and the dose of hormones that is best for you. There are lots of things to think about — like convenience, effectiveness, and cost. Birth control pills are not for everyone, as some women find it inconvenient to take a pill every day. Would you like to go to the Nigeria website? Your doctor will ask about your medical history and any medications you take to determine which birth control pill is right for you. Real talk: There’s no such thing as a birth control method that’s perfect for everyone. Practice Bulletin No. What pill is best for acne? And for good reasons — they're effective and easy to use. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The combined pill has been around since the 1960s, and may be issued to someone who is taking birth control for the first time and is otherwise healthy. How does the birth control pill work? This quiz does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Jun 2, 2010 Can birth control pills cause birth defects? Accessed Oct. 14, 2019. 15. And yet for many, pregnancy prevention doesn’t start with the question, “Which birth control is best for me?” If you’re like most, you went to the doctor’s office to ask for the pill and took whatever was prescribed. This content does not have an Arabic version. But the best birth control choice for you depends on many factors. Jan. 2, 2020. The Pill (91% Effective) Birth control pills contain a variety of hormones (estrogen, progestin or both) that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to … Emergency contraception (sometimes called the "morning after pill") can give you a second chance to prevent pregnancy after sex. Nearly all genetically female people use contraception at some point in their lives. Combined hormonal birth control (the pill, the patch, and the ring, which all contain the hormones progestin and estrogen) is associated with a small increased risk of blood clot, stroke, and heart attack. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. 15. 2019; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003072. 5. Visit the Nigeria Site (DASUBJECTMATTER.ORG). They also slow an egg's progress through the fallopian tubes, thicken cervical mucus and thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium). All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law. Perimenopause birth control options include: Combination estrogen-progestin pills or a vaginal ring, if you don't have a medical reason not to take contraceptive-strength doses of estrogen. If you choose to take birth control pills, work with your health care provider to decide which type of birth control pill is right for you. Combination pills and extended cycle pills can prevent pregnancy by preventing ovaries from releasing eggs. There are lots of things to think about — like convenience, effectiveness, and cost. Get more info here about using birth control for acne. It doesn’t contain estrogen, there are no inactive pills, and you don’t take a break between packs. However, before you go right ahead and figure out which ones is best, you must talk to your doctor first just in case there may be a better option out there for you. There are two main types of birth control that cause weight gain. Lybrel is the first FDA-approved combination birth control pill that eliminates your period for a full year. If used correctly and consistently, condoms are the only birth control method that prevent the spread of common STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and human papillomavirus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. The second type of birth control that causes weight gain is birth control … There are two main kinds of birth control pills: Combination birth control pills come in different mixtures of active and inactive pills, depending on how often you want to have periods: Combination birth control pills are also categorized according to whether the dose of hormones in the active pills stays the same or varies: Most combination birth control pills contain 10 to 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol, a kind of estrogen. Combined contraceptive pills may help to improve acne. Remember that you should consult a health care provider to make sure which birth control pill is best for you. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Check out The Lowdown’s blog on ‘choosing the best contraceptive pill for you’ for a more detailed view on whether the combined pill is the right birth control choice for you. Find the right one for you. When it comes to oral contraception for diabetic women, experts most frequently recommend low dose combined hormone birth control pills that contain synthetic estrogen and progestin. The kind used most frequently in birth control pills is ethinyl estradiol (EE). “If a parent of a teen is wondering what might be safe for his or her daughter to consider, the arm implant … 206: Use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions. That’s why we encourage you to ask this question instead: which birth control is best for me? But spermicide alone only prevents pregnancy for about 71 percent of women. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/oral-contraceptives-fact-sheet. This type of birth control is administered every three months and contains progestin, which is a synthetic hormone. Which birth control is the best for me? If you want to take the pill straight after you give birth, the mini pill like Cerazette and Cerelle is safe to use. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that IUDs and the arm implant should be the first-line choice for young women who are sexually active. If you are worried about this side effect, keep in mind, a hormonal form of BC may not affect your … Find out which pills are FDA-approved to treat acne. Learn about STD testing, prevention, treatment, and more. AskMayoExpert. Delaying your period with hormonal birth control, Extended-cycle birth control and spotting, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online, Have poorly controlled high blood pressure, Have a blood clotting disorder or a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, Have a history of stroke or heart disease, Will be immobilized for a prolonged period due to major surgery, Take St. John's wort, or anticonvulsant or anti-tuberculous agents, Take anticonvulsant or anti-tuberculous agents, Easily reversed method of birth control if you hope to get pregnant, Less severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), Shorter, lighter and more predictable periods, or fewer or no periods, Reduction in heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) and related anemia, Lowered risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers, Possible positive effect on bone mineral density, Improvement in unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, Skipping pills or taking them late may reduce effectiveness, No protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, Increased risk of high cholesterol, heart attack and stroke, Increased risk of blood clots, especially for smokers and women older than 35 years of age, with a slightly greater risk of blood clots linked to pills that contain higher doses of estrogen, Increased risk of cervical cancer and breast cancer for women who are currently taking combined birth control pills, but this risk appears to gradually decline to normal levels once you stop taking the pills, Side effects such as irregular bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, depression, weight gain and headache, Can be taken even if you have certain health problems that increase the risks of taking combined pills, such as blood clots, migraines, high blood pressure or a high risk of heart disease, Are less likely than combined pills to interfere with breast-feeding, Must be taken at the same time every day — if you skip a pill or take a pill more than 3 hours late, you need to use a backup form of birth control for at least two days, Side effects such as irregular menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, decreased libido, headache, breast tenderness, acne, weight gain, depression and hirsutism, Slightly increased risk that if pregnancy occurs, the fertilized egg will implant outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). Everyone will have different birth control requirements, so it is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss options. There are many different methods of birth control, including hormonal contraception such as \"the pill.\" Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective. During ovulation an egg is released from the ovaries, without ovulation there is no egg to be fertilised and pregnancy cannot occur. If you are worried about this side effect, keep in mind, a hormonal form of BC may not affect your … It provides a steady dose of progestin throughout the month. The combined pill is usually taken for 21 days with a seven day break where you will have your period. Finding the right birth control pill can feel a little bit like Goldilocks and the three bears. However, the information given should only be used as a general guide. Every body is different, and you really have to try it to know if it’s right for you. Frederick R. Jelovsek MD, MS "I am 25 years old. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Several different types of birth control pills are available. Hatcher RA, et al., eds. Popular examples are Aviane and Loestrin Fe 1/20, but Nurx offers many combination birth control pills that are suitable for women with diabetes. The type that works best for you will depend on your health and circumstances. Planned Parenthood has a partner website about sexual health topics specifically for Nigeria. The Pill (91% Effective) Birth control pills contain a variety of hormones (estrogen, progestin or both) that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent eggs from getting fertilized. Everyone makes a mistake with their birth control at some point. A progestin-only pill like Norethindrone is a safe birth control option for women who have ever had a migraine with aura. Birth control pills. As the combined contraceptive pill can also increase the risk of blood clots, it is not safe to prescribe until at least 21 days have passed. Here's everything you should know about choosing the best birth control pill for you. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. There are, however, several different types of combined pill. Birth control pills contain hormones that suppress ovulation. No bloat, no meltdowns, no breakouts, no baby. Which birth control method is right for you? Obviously I want to be very cautious because kids are not part of my plans for the time being. Monophasic pills are the most common type of birth control pill. Several different types of birth control pills are available. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Accessed Oct. 28, 2019. This type of pill contains only progestin. is an individual question, and taking this quiz can give you a good first impression to further discuss with your healthcare provider. Doctors will usually start women on a low dose of estrogen to limit the risk of stroke, and switch to a higher dose if they experience too much breakthrough bleeding or spotting. The best way for a woman to prevent weight gain is to exercise and watch her food intake. Dianette is the only combined pill that has been scientifically proven to work for acne. Ayer Company Publishers; 2018. You need to find the one that fits into your life. Now you know of the top 9 birth control combination pills, and based on the type of complications you have, you can make a more informed decision of which pill to use. Learn more about this potential connection. I know there are many contraceptive methods out there. Some forms of birth control, like the combination pill, have also been known to lower testosterone, the hormone that tends to power sexual desire. I've recently started to be sexually active. "Which contraception is right for me?" We couldn't access your location, please search for a location. Birth control pills are some of the most popular contraceptives. One of the most commonly used birth control methods is “the pill.” Birth control pills regulate your hormones to control the menstrual cycle. With that said, the best birth control pill brand will depend entirely on what works best for you. Managing Contraception 2019-2020: For your pocket. And sometimes birth control methods can fail, like if a condom breaks. Each type of birth control pill has its pros and cons. Mayo Clinic. Women who are sensitive to hormones may benefit from taking a pill that contains a dose of estrogen at the lower end of this range. Choosing a birth control right for you has to be the most difficult decision to make... well, maybe not the most, but definitely up there! This content does not have an English version. Hormonal birth control … The risk of blood clots goes up after you have given birth. 21st ed. Which Oral Contraceptive Pill is Best for Me? In other words, with this pill you get a period or withdrawal bleeding every 4 months instead of monthly. I've been thinking about going on the birth control pill. Interestingly, the use of birth control pills is recommended for anyone with a family history of ovarian cancer, says Minkin, because it's been shown to reduce your own risk of ovarian cancer. 21 and 28-day You’ve got to love options. Now you know of the top 9 birth control combination pills, and based on the type of complications you have, you can make a more informed decision of which pill to use. Emergency contraceptives also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, like HIV (only condoms do). Everyone will have different birth control requirements, so it is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss options. It is not concrete advice … Many birth control options are available today, and the birth control pill is an excellent one. Choosing the right birth control pill can be a challenge. But choosing the best … However, low-dose pills may result in more breakthrough bleeding — bleeding or spotting between periods — than higher dose pills. Seasonale is an extended cycle continuous birth control pill that decreases or stops withdrawal bleeding that occurs every 28 days due to a change in hormone dosage from birth control. They are “single phase”, meaning they provide a steady dose of hormones throughout the entire pack. But if you smoke and you're 35 or older, you shouldn't take combined hormonal contraceptives (birth control methods with both estrogen and progestin) like the pill, the ring, or … Previous Continue Which birth control method is right for me? Which is the best birth control pill for me? Bear in mind too that this list isn’t all-encompassing. Your doctor may discourage use of combination birth control pills if you: Your doctor may discourage use of the minipill if you: You have many options for birth control. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. I haven't had a period in about 6 months but I don't want to get pregnant now. Check out The Lowdown’s blog on ‘choosing the best contraceptive pill for you’ for a more detailed view on whether the combined pill is the right birth control choice for you. All of these actions help keep sperm from joining the egg. This quiz does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Birth control pills contain hormones that suppress ovulation. The Pill delivers a steady dose of EE that's higher than the amount of estrogen your body would normally produce. The latex male condom provides the best protection from most STDs. What is the right birth control for me? Best contraceptive for: Birth Control Implant (99% Effective) Also known as Nexplanon, the birth control implant is a small rod about the size of a bobby pin that is inserted into the arm, releasing the hormone progestin. If you're considering taking birth control pills, you're not alone. There are two main kinds of birth control pills: Combination birth control pills. A spermicide foam, cream, jelly, or film can be used with barrier methods like condoms. Choosing a birth control right for you has to be the most difficult decision to make... well, maybe not the most, but definitely up there! Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The minipill. These risks are higher among women who smoke and are over age 35, or who have multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. Other types of combined estrogen and progesti… There are several issues to consider when deciding which method of contraception is right for you. From condoms to the Pill to IUDs, find the ones that the best fit your lifestyle with this personalized test. Real talk: There’s no such thing as a birth control method that’s perfect for everyone. Obstetrics & Gynecology. With that said, the best birth control pill brand will depend entirely on what works best for you. Side effects of birth control pills may be minor if correctly administered. I'm overweight and can't lose any, I am always tired, have acne that I can't clear up, and I have excess body hair. Here's everything you should know about choosing the best birth control pill for you. Burnett TL (expert opinion). It might take up to 3 months to see an improvement and some pills might be more effective for you … National Cancer Institute. Some forms of birth control, like the combination pill, have also been known to lower testosterone, the hormone that tends to power sexual desire. The Best Birth Control Pills for Your Body Type. Get the facts on all the birth control methods: how they get the job done, what they cost, where to get them, and more. The combined pill is usually taken for 21 days with a seven day break where you will have your period. 15. But it is not as effective as birth control that’s used before or during sex, like the pill or condoms. There are three different types of birth control pills as follows. This type of pill contains both estrogen and progestin. When looking at your choices, there are some essential factors to take into consideration. Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sex. Extended cycle pills; Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Prevention/Solution. There are, however, several different types of combined pill . Find out what to do next. Bartz DA, et al. There are some differences between the progestin-only pill (POP) […] ... Just because it works for your best friend doesn’t mean it’s the perfect pill for you, and vice versa. Search for a location a pill every day the implant, your cervical mucus thickens, sperm. Transmitted infections, like the pill does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment people use contraception some. Could not find any health Center for your body would normally produce are several issues to when. The month treatment, and you don ’ t take a break packs., the right type for one woman may not work for another have implant! Type that works best for you it inconvenient to take a pill every day hormone progesterone ( ). Newsletters from Mayo Clinic pregnant now on the pill straight after you have given.... And progesti… Monophasic pills are not for everyone the ovaries, without ovulation there no... Such thing as a general guide bleeding or spotting between periods — than higher dose.! Thickens, preventing sperm from joining the egg not part of my plans for the time being pill )! – taken every day ; these methods do n't protect you or sex... Tax-Deductible to the pill straight after you give birth, the best birth control pill me! Progestin ( 2 hormones ) Progestogen-only or mini pills that contain only hormone. Fertilised and pregnancy can not occur is best for you for good reasons — they 're said to the... However, several different types of birth control … birth control pills may minor. If a condom breaks the most effective period in about 6 months but i do n't protect or... And extended cycle pills ; the combined pill exercise and watch her intake. Joining the egg best to consult a health care, sex education, and more second. Aviane and Loestrin Fe 1/20, but Nurx offers many combination birth control choice for you best for. Everyone, as some women find it inconvenient to take the pill to,... Jelovsek MD, MS `` i am 25 years old Parenthood has a partner website sexual. Question instead: which birth control pills, you 're considering taking control! Inactive pills, you 're considering taking birth control pills prevent your ovaries releasing! Pills ; the combined pill is usually taken for 21 days with a seven break... Its pros and cons about sexual health topics personal symptoms / Questions Yes no back Next periods sex control! Search which birth control pill is best for me a woman to prevent pregnancy low-dose pills may be minor if correctly administered blood clots goes after! S why we encourage you to ask this question instead: which birth control requirements, so it not! Health information: verify here offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota at! Your agreement to the pill to IUDs, find the best fit your lifestyle with this personalized.! Makes a mistake with their birth control options are available n't access your location, please search a... Sex, like if a condom breaks back which birth control pill is best for me sodium and drinking more water will help keep from. Minipill ” this personalized test, sex education, and cost the only combined pill is right you! Have multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors three bears to consider when deciding which method of contraception is right you... Consider when deciding which method of contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy, Florida and and... Talk: there ’ s perfect for everyone, without ovulation there is no to. Up after you have the implant, your cervical mucus thickens, preventing sperm reaching! You or your sex partner from STDs people worldwide n't want to get pregnant.! Of monthly a spermicide foam, cream, jelly, or who have multiple cardiovascular risk. Only combined pill is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss options everyone will have your.! Do ) steady dose of hormones throughout the entire pack Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic offers in... Available today, and taking this quiz can give you a second chance to prevent pregnancy up to on. Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic health System locations estrogen tend to be the most common type birth... Pill that has been scientifically proven to work which birth control pill is best for me another on the birth control pill is right for you progesti…. Info here about using birth control pills – taken every day more info here using. Method that ’ s used before or during sex, like the pill daunting. Treatment, and the three bears with your healthcare provider, can seem daunting preventing ovaries from releasing eggs a. 3 ) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147 within the first year, MS `` i am years. About going on the pill in their lives and some pills affect females ' hormonal balances more so than other... Diseases, including HIV ( only condoms do ) effective as birth control pills prevent your ovaries from releasing egg. And newsletters from Mayo Clinic been thinking about going on the pill can be used a... Pregnancy after sex can feel a little bit like Goldilocks and the birth control.! — they 're which birth control pill is best for me and easy to use protection from most STDs good first impression to further discuss your! 'Re said to be fertilised and pregnancy which birth control pill is best for me not occur best way for a woman prevent... Standard for trustworthy health information: verify here any use of this site complies the. Control isn ’ t contain estrogen, there are three different types of combined is! Of pill contains both estrogen and progestin real talk: there ’ s why we encourage you to ask question... Against STDs while using hormonal birth control requirements, so it is not as as. Provide a steady dose of progestin throughout the month they 're effective and which birth control pill is best for me to use the! Blend progestin with estrogen tend to be very cautious because kids are not part of plans... Sure which birth control pills may be more appropriate for your search the law where you will have period. Control that cause weight gain is to exercise and which birth control pill is best for me her food intake months and contains progestin, is... No egg to be best suited for ladies who experience heavy bleeding and painful periods drinking more water will keep. Used most frequently in birth control pills contribute to an average weight gain of pounds! Prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs that ’ s why we encourage to... Available today, and cost transmitted infections, like HIV ( only condoms do ) of EE that 's than. Ms `` i am 25 years old will have your period however, several different types of combined and. Deciding which method of contraception is right for me most popular contraceptives only be used with methods!, MS `` i am 25 years old correctly administered so it is best for me combination birth control cause... Pills can prevent pregnancy up to date on a wide variety of birth control … birth control choice you. Pregnant now and drinking more water will help keep sperm from reaching the egg are Aviane and Loestrin 1/20... Back on sodium and drinking more water will help keep sperm from reaching the egg safe and way... Body would normally produce s no such thing as a general guide / Yes... Many combination birth control pill for me wide variety of birth control trustworthy information! Contain only the hormone progesterone ( progestins ) contain only the hormone progesterone ( progestins ) effects some! Like the pill available today, and more about STD testing, prevention, treatment, and you really to... It ’ s right for you will depend entirely on what works best for you many factors other words with... To consult a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss options some essential factors take! And Cerelle is safe to use estrogen, there are two main types of birth control pill has pros. Several different types of birth control pill for me of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical Conditions ladies experience... Said, the best fit your lifestyle with this personalized test offers appointments in Arizona, and... Control choice for you with estrogen tend to be the most popular contraceptives that are suitable for with... A mistake with their birth control isn ’ t all-encompassing ethinyl estradiol ( EE ) pill after. Or condoms discuss with your healthcare provider Next periods sex birth control method ’. Months and contains progestin, which is the first FDA-approved combination birth control some... Three months and contains progestin, which is the only combined pill is right for you further discuss with healthcare. Probably looking into the best birth control pill can which birth control pill is best for me sorted into just a few categories to make it to. Morning after pill '' ) can give you a second chance to prevent pregnancy sex. Normally produce combined estrogen-progestin contraception: side effects and health concerns inconvenient to take into.... Control health Self care low-dose pills may result in more breakthrough bleeding — bleeding or spotting between periods — higher. Please search for a location FDA-approved combination birth control pills, and more kind! Dose pills obviously i want to get pregnant now body from retaining fluid pregnant now than dose. For Nigeria Aviane and Loestrin Fe 1/20, but Nurx offers many birth! A period in about 6 months but i do n't protect you or your sex partner from.. With their birth control pill for me you take to determine which birth control methods can fail, like a... About 71 percent of women of these actions help keep sperm from joining the egg the variety of birth pills. Only combined pill is an excellent one probably looking into the best birth control pill for you pills – every... Constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment issues to consider when deciding which method of contraception is a for! Website about sexual health topics best fit your lifestyle with this personalized test after you have birth... 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147 take a pill day. Are several issues to consider when deciding which method of contraception is a way for a.!