Low dose birth control pills are those that have a lower amount of estrogen in their formula. These can be prescribed for a variety of reasons including protecting a woman from uterine or ovarian cancer, regulating menstruation or preventing bone loss. In some cases low dose birth control pills may also be prescribed as a means of suppressing menstrual bleeding or reducing the side effects that often appear when using traditional birth control pills. How to take them properly? What are the recommended brands?
What are Low Dose Birth Control Pills?
The lowest level of estrogen a birth control pill can contain is .02mg, which is usually comprised of ethinyl estradiol. Pills with this level of estrogen are considered “ultra-low dose” contraceptives. This level of estrogen can be used for contraception purposes but many who use this prescription experience side effects such as breakthrough bleeding or spotting compared to pills that contain higher doses such as .030-.035mg of estrogen.
Warnings:
Smoking cigarettes while using birth control pills increases the patient’s risk of cardiovascular damage. Smoking 15 or more cigarettes each day or smoking while using birth control while smoking over the age of 35 is considered to be an exceptional risk. It is strongly advised that women quit smoking before they begin using birth control pills.
How to Take Low Dose Birth Control Pills
The following video outlines the proper usage for low-dose birth control pills for contraception:
While low estrogen birth control pills are considered just as effective as birth control pills that have larger doses of hormones, these pills carry a higher risk of pregnancy if you miss a dose. Many higher dose birth control pills contain enough estrogen to prevent pregnancy when you miss a dose. Those that are taking low estrogen birth control pills will need to be very conscious about taking their doses as directed to reduce this risk. Those that are concerned about pregnancy may need to use a second form of birth control such as a diaphragm or condom to ensure that they are not at risk.
Do Low Dose Birth Control Pills make Orgasm Painful?
Research from New York University Langone medical Center followed 1000 women using low dose oral contraceptives. It was noted that a majority of these women noted an increase in pelvic pain. Final results indicate that women using low dose birth control pills are twice as likely to report pain after or during orgasm as those that are not using birth control pills. Those using birth control with higher doses of estrogen do not appear to report this issue.
What are the Side Effects of Low Dose Birth Control Pills?
Low dose birth control pills can cause tenderness of the breasts, nausea or mild to severe headaches, though not all women will experience these symptoms. The heavy feeling in the head and the intensity of the pain associated with said headaches will vary by case. Some medical professionals have noted high blood pressure and its associated health concerns linked to the use of birth control pills.
What are the Brands of Low Dose Birth Control Pills?
1. LoOvral
This brand of birth control contains .3mg of nogestrel and .03mg of ethinyl estradiol. This medication prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and alters the uterine lining to a fertilized egg cannot attach. This medication should be taken on the first day of your period, with subsequent doses following every 24 hours. The pack includes seven “reminder” pills which are simply used to keep you on schedule during your period. It is common to experience breakthrough bleeding. You may need to use back up birth control or cease the use of LoOvral if you have severe nausea or will be undergoing certain medical tests or surgery.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link:
http://www.drugs.com/lo_ovral.html
2. Nordette
These pills contain .15mg of levognorgestrel and .03mg ethyinl estradiol. This medication suppresses gonadotropins in the body to inhibit ovulation while altering the endometrium and cervical mucus. Those that use this medication should complete a regular examination as adverse reactions including breakthrough bleeding, nausea, fluid retention, changes in weight, breast tenderness and others are possible. Talk these conditions over with your doctor and report them should any symptoms occur.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link: http://www.drugs.com/pro/nordette.html
3. Orth-CEPT
This birth control has .15mg of desogesterl and .03mg of ehtinyl estradiol. These hormones alter the cervical mucus, uterine lining, prevent sperm from reaching an egg and prevents an egg from leaving the ovaries. Given the lower doses of this birth control you may need to use backup birth control for up to a week if you miss a dose. Consult with your doctor if this occurs. This medication may also negatively interact with a variety of other medications, so talk to your doctor about any substances you are using for other medical conditions before starting this birth control routine.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link: http://www.drugs.com/mtm/ortho-cept.html
4. Desogen
Desogen contains .15mg of desogestrel and .03 mg of ethinyl estradiol. This medication may cause birth defects and other side effects such as migraines, high blood pressure, unusual vaginal bleeding, trouble with the eyes and others. It is important to talk your risks of these conditions over with your doctor before you start using this medication. These pills are designed to be taken every day, and you may need to use back up birth control if you miss a dose.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link: http://www.drugs.com/desogen.html
5. Levlen 21
These birth control pills contain .15mg of levonorgestrel and .03mg ethinyl estradiol. This medication is primarily used to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and failing to allow sperm to reach the egg. It may also be prescribed to manage painful periods or limit heavy periods and the symptoms of ovarian cysts. You must talk to your doctor about your medical history, particularly your history of blood clots or diabetes before using this medication.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link:
6. Seasonale or Seasonique
These pills use .015mg levonorgestrel and .03mg of ethinyl estradiol. This medication focuses on preventing implantation of a fertilized egg to reduce the risk of pregnancy. This medication may cause side effects including changes in weight, nausea, breakthrough bleeding, gastrointestinal symptoms and others. Talk this risk over with your doctor to determine your potential risk.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link: http://www.medilexicon.com/drugs/seasonale_lo_seasonale_seasonique.php
7. Yasmin
Yasmin contains a combination of drospirenone and progestin alongside ethinyl estradiol. It is designed to help suppress gonadotropins to inhibit ovulation while altering the cervical mucus. Some side effects including dysmenorrhea, acne, nausea, breast pain, rash and others are possible, so talk to your doctor about what may increase these risks.
For more information-description, usage, side effects and precautions, click the following link: http://www.medilexicon.com/drugs/yasmin.php