[BlackButterfly]

Hi,

I would like recommendations for a birth control pill. I have been on both Levlen ED & Microgynen 50 on and off for a few years however I am not currently on any birth control pill. I'm not keen on going back on Levlen ED because I've heard of quite a few women conceiving whilst taking it perfectly, and although I don't dislike Microgynen 50 I wouldn't mind exploring other brands as it doesn't tick all my boxes. What I would like in a pill:

- Best protection against pregnancy as possible
- Clears up skin, I don't have acne, just a lot of break outs recently, my skin has never been perfect but it's the worst it's ever been right now
- Causes weight gain, this is something I would be VERY welcoming of

Of course the main thing is good contraception, the other 'side effects' would just be a bonus. I would discuss this with a doctor but I don't have any particular doctor right now and after being misinformed about a birth control pill by a doctor in the past, I want to do my own research before seeing a doctor. Also, I'm in Australia.

Thanks!

[x.st.angel.x]

Hi BlackButterfly and welcome to the forum

I extracted this from a thread i wrote 3 years ago lol!

Combined pill - 1 pill consisting of 2 hormones taken the same time daily. Prevents egg being released.
Advantages: Can reduce PMS and period pain Does not affect spontaneity
Considerations - Not suitable for some medical conditions. if pill is taken more than 12 hours late extra precautions required
99% reliable if taken properly

Progestogen only pill - 1 pill consisting of 1 hormone taken the same time daily. Prevents sperm from reaching the egg
For older women. those breastfeeding those who cant take the combined pill
Considerations: Pills must not be taken 3 hours late
98% reliable is taken correctly

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon) - A small rod containing hormone progestogen which is inserted under the skin in the arm by a doctor. Prevents egg from being released. Prevents sperm from reaching egg
It lasts 3 years.
Considerations. May cause breakthrough bleeding. Possible weight gain
99% effective

Contraceptive Injections (Depo Vera) - Progestogen injection that prevents sperm reaching the egg and egg being realsed.
Lasts for 12 weeks
COnsiderations - Periods can be irregular innitially, possible breakthrough bleeding, possible slight weight gain, delayed return to fertility
99% effective

NuvaRing - Vaginal ring containing both progestogen and oestrogen released from the ring and absorbed through the wall of the vagina. Prevents egg being released.
Low dose of hormones. Lasts for 4 weeks. Inserted for three weeks and taken out for 1.
Considerations: Possible weight gain and acne, Some medications can effect reliability.99% if correctly used

Condom (male) - Can reduce spontaneity 98% effective if used correctly

Diaphragm Cap - Dome of rubber places over the cervex to prevent sperm entering uterus. Spermicides required
Only use during sexual activity, stays in for 6 hours after sex
92%-96% effective if used correctly

IUD (multiload) - Copper device fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting
Stays in place for up to 5 years
May make periods heavy and/or may increase period pains
98%-99% effective

IUS (mirena) Small plastic device with progestogen fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting. Stays in place for up to 5 years
may make periods lighter
99% effective.

[Hugo-B]

Coincidently, every GF I've had, except my current GF has been unable to tolerate the pill (hormone based birth control pills). My two main ex's both suffered terrible mood swings and emotional upset to the point where it was not even an option for them to stay 'on'. As an alternative one was offered the coil, contrary to popular belief you don't have to have had a baby to have one fitted, the nurse said that was antiquated thinking.

This worked well for us as it offered all of the protection of the pill with none of the hormonal problems. Maybe worth a chat with your doctor, you certainly have nothing to lose.

Good luck :-)

[BlackButterfly]

Thanks for the replies

It's definitely the pill (combined) I am interested in using, I'm just stuck on brands and would like suggestions for them. Or is it more a matter of they're all much of a muchness? I may just go back on Microgynen 50 (possibly getting it prescribed in a lower dosage, 20 or 30 rather than 50) if that's the case, not prepared to risk it with Levlen ED after the stories I have heard.

[ItsASecret]

If you are wanting a combined pill there are three types. Monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic pills. These just represent how each pill is administered in dosage when you take them. Monophasic pills will have the same constant dose of estrogen and progesterone per pill for every active pill there is in the pack, the last week in a 28 day pack is the sugar placebo-example brand is Alesse, Loestrin, and Levlen. Biphasic pills have a split of pills with usually 10 days of one dosage of pills and the next 11 days in the active pills as a different dose which usually has an increased estrogen level-examples would be Ortho-Novum10/11, and Mircette. Triphasic pills will have 3 different levels of dosage per active pill week-examples would be Ortho Tri-Cylcen, and Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.

The triphasic pills most closely mimic the natural body cycles as the dose of estrogen increases for each week in the pack much like it does in the female cycle, some brands will also increase the progesterone per week but for the most part that stays constant in triphasic pills.

It can take some trial and error to find the brand that works best for you. I was on Ortho Tri-Cylcen and it made me spot quite a bit, a lot of bloating and a bit of a decreased sex drive. I was on that brand for a year when I changed to Alesse and it has worked great for me for the past 2 years with very minimal bloating, no cramping, very little spotting, no decrease in sex drive, and periods are extremely light.