Millions of women around the world solve the issue of contraception with the help of oral hormonal drugs. Their effectiveness is 98%, and cases of pregnancy are associated with irregular taking of the pills. Most women consult a doctor for advice on choosing medications. There are also special tables. How to choose birth control pills yourself, you can figure it out with their help - determine your phenotype and the appropriate type of contraceptives.

Types of hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraception includes both oral pills and parenteral methods of contraception.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) include:

• combined oral contraceptives (COCs);
• mini-pill.

Combined oral contraceptives contain different sets of hormones. Depending on this, COCs are divided into three subgroups: triphasic, biphasic and monophasic. Hormones may include: ethinyl estradiol (an artificially synthesized analogue of estrogen), norgestrel, desogestrel, gestodene and other hormones.

In monophasic-type drugs, the composition of hormones in tablets intended for use on different days of the cycle does not change.

Monophasic COCs include:

• "Silhouette" and "Regulon", containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel;
• "Rigevidon", "Miniziston" and "Mikroginon" (contains ethinyl estradiol and gestodene);
• "Janine", whose action is based on the hormones dienogest and ethinyl estradiol;
• “Jas”, “Jess”, “Logest”, “Lindinet”, “Belara” and many others.

In biphasic contraceptives, the set of hormones for the first and second half of the cycle differs. As a rule, the dose of ethinyl estradiol remains unchanged, but the volume of the progestogen component changes. Biphasic drugs include Sequilar, Alepal, Binovum and Binordiol.

In three-phase preparations, the composition of hormonal components changes three times. The tablets must be taken in a certain sequence in accordance with the day of the cycle and the instructions on the package.

Three-phase COCs include Triziston, Qlaira, Tri-Regol and others.

A separate group - mini-pills - includes drugs of the gestagenic type, that is, containing only one hormone - progestogen. These are the drugs “Laktinet”, “Orgametril”, “Microlut”.

Parenteral methods of contraception

In addition to oral contraception, there are methods of birth control that do not require daily pill taking. Their principle of action is a single injection of a hormonal drug in a large dosage in one form or another. Hormones are absorbed into the blood gradually, providing a long-term contraceptive effect.

Parenteral contraceptives include:

Mechanism of action of drugs

Any hormonal drugs change a woman's natural hormonal levels. As a rule, the introduction of contraceptives creates a hormonal background corresponding to the state of pregnancy. Ovulation does not occur in this state, and conception becomes impossible.

COCs make the mucus of the cervical canal thicker, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The endometrium of the uterus changes in such a way that eggs cannot attach to it.

Mini-pills act locally on the reproductive organs, changing the amount and composition of cervical mucus so that in the middle of the cycle its volume decreases. Mini-pill drugs also affect the uterine endometrium and block ovulation.

Selection of birth control pills

Parenteral contraceptives cannot be selected and used independently: it is not possible to install a spiral or subcutaneous implants without the help of a doctor. And choosing birth control pills without a doctor is quite possible; many women do just that. Some people do not trust the qualifications of their doctor; others, for some reason, do not have the opportunity to see a professional gynecologist. Some women complain that doctors prescribe drugs without preliminary research, using a brute force method: “Are these pills not suitable? Try others."

Indeed, a professional doctor always conducts a thorough study before prescribing oral contraceptives. It includes:

Additionally, a consultation with an ophthalmologist may be scheduled.

As a result, the doctor can accurately identify the patient’s phenotype and select oral contraceptives correctly, taking into account the characteristics of her body and possible diseases, the development of which may be facilitated by hormonal drugs.

Types of female phenotypes

Most doctors, when selecting oral hormonal contraceptives, distinguish three female phenotypes. Phenotype classification includes assessment of parameters such as:

The full list of parameters is presented in the table.

Women of the estrogen type are usually short, their skin and hair tend to be dry. The figure develops according to the “pear” type: pronounced hips, developed mammary glands. They have a tendency to mastopathy and obesity, cholelithiasis. In very rare cases, they may develop hirsutism and hypertrichosis. The timbre of the voice is high, the appearance is pretty.

During PMS they become emotional and prone to tearfulness. The menstrual cycle is regular. Pregnancy without protection occurs within 1-3 cycles, but due to a lack of progesterone there is a risk of miscarriage.

Ladies with a balanced phenotype are called “ideal women.” They are distinguished by a proportional body structure, thick hair, clear skin, unexpressed PMS and a regular cycle. “Ideal women” are recommended to use medium-dose and low-dose OCs: Silest, Femoden, Trikvilar, Triziston, Lindinet-30.

The progesterone phenotype (ectomorphic) is characteristic of women who have a predominance of progesterone. These women have a sporty body type with evenly developed shoulders and hips. With obesity, the deposition of fat masses occurs to a greater extent in the upper abdomen and on the back. The skin and hair are oily, and oily seborrhea is often observed. The voice is low, the height is above average, the mammary glands are not very developed. Menstruation is scanty, short in duration, and during PMS there is a tendency to tearfulness and melancholy.

The menstrual cycle may depend on sexual activity: if you have a regular partner, the cycle becomes regular. Pregnancy does not occur immediately (not in the first 1-3 cycles after discontinuation of contraceptives), but proceeds calmly, without threats. Women of the progesterone type are prone to severe weight gain, including during pregnancy and after childbirth.

For such women, doctors prescribe hormonal drugs containing dienogest and drospirenone: “Jess”, “Jas”, “Silhouette”, “Janine”, “Diane-35”, “Klaira” and others.

If it is not possible to see a doctor, each woman can independently determine her own phenotype and select hormonal pills on her own. To analyze external indicators, you can use the phenotype table and online tests to determine the phenotype. You must remember that advice from friends and reviews on various resources on the Internet is not the best help. The presence and absence of side effects, as well as the effectiveness of the drug, depend primarily on your own phenotype, and not on the hormonal background of your friend.

If you notice that your condition is changing for the worse, immediately stop taking hormonal medications and consult a doctor.

Symptoms of incorrect selection OK

Women who take oral contraceptives without consulting a doctor, on the advice of a friend, or relying on advertising slogans, often experience a large number of unpleasant side effects. Among the most striking symptoms are severe nausea and dizziness, even fainting. In addition, it is often observed:

• migraines and severe headaches;
• enlargement of the mammary glands, their soreness;
• increased appetite and, as a result, the appearance of excess weight;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, increased gas formation;
• leg cramps;
• the appearance of edema;
• cycle disruption; spotting between periods;
• change in skin condition: increased oiliness, appearance of acne;
• change in hair type;
• decreased sexual activity.

It is worth noting that the body needs to go through a period of adaptation when taking oral contraceptives. The adaptation period lasts 3 months, during which various side effects may occur. They should completely disappear after the body's adaptation is completed. If this does not happen, then even without consulting a doctor you can understand that birth control pills are not suitable and you need to select another drug.

Contraindications to hormonal drugs

There are cases when oral contraception should be abandoned. The presence of certain diseases is contraindication to taking hormonal drugs.

An absolute contraindication for taking hormonal contraceptives is pregnancy!

Relative contraindications include:

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of preventing unwanted pregnancy using pills is associated with their high efficiency and ease of use. Women who use this method of contraception note among its advantages:

Doctors have a positive attitude towards oral contraceptive methods due to the fact that birth control pills exhibit a therapeutic effect, that is:

• help stabilize irregular menstrual cycles, relieve pain during menstruation and some symptoms of PMS;
• when taking OCs for more than 4 years, they reduce the risk of developing ovarian tumors, cystic mastopathy, endometrial cancer and breast tumors by 50%;
• have a preventive effect against uterine fibroids, osteoporosis, and cyst formation;
• prevent the formation and development of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
• prevent the development of gastric ulcers.

In addition, doctors allow the use of COCs for the treatment of certain forms of infertility: after stopping birth control pills, the vast majority of patients experience a sharp jump in fertility levels, the so-called “rebound effect.”

However, there are also negative results from using oral contraceptives. Long-term use of drugs over several years can lead to the development of chronic migraines, increased blood sugar levels, and thrombosis.

The risk of stroke increases due to the formation of blood clots in the vessels of the brain and heart, as well as the likelihood of developing glaucoma.

Long-term use of COCs leads to the development of vascular diseases: the formation of spider veins, venous insufficiency.

The list of diseases may be wider, especially if the woman did not consult a doctor to select the drug or the doctor was negligent.

Only competent research by a professional can guarantee a minimum of side effects and negative consequences, even if it takes a lot of time.

The birth of a child is an event that most people prefer to take from the sphere of “divine providence” into their own hands. Fortunately, controlling the onset of pregnancy in the modern world is quite simple. One of the most popular means for this has become birth control pills. How to choose them correctly?

How to choose birth control pills

Ideally, the selection of oral contraceptives should be done by a gynecologist. Contraceptive pills are prescribed only based on the results of examinations, including the following procedures:

1. Smear for oncocytology.
2. Ultrasound of the pelvis on days 5-7 of the menstrual cycle.
3. Hormone analysis (taken 3 times during the menstrual cycle).
4. Blood test for clotting and sugar.
5. Consultation with a surgeon to identify varicose veins (if the disease is detected, hormonal contraceptives are not prescribed).
6. Mammological examination.

Before making a decision, the doctor must analyze the following information about the patient:

• age;
• weight and height;
• number of previous births and abortions;
• regularity of the menstrual cycle, its duration, abundance of discharge, general well-being during menstruation;
• the presence of chronic diseases, problems with excess weight or skin;
• phenotype.

Such attentiveness and conscientiousness of a gynecologist is not always found. Many doctors show amazing indifference and, in the absence of complaints from the patient, limit themselves to a very superficial examination, based on the results of which they make a very “professional” conclusion: “Well, try to drink ... (substitute what is necessary).” In the future, if a woman has no complaints about the prescribed (or guessed?) pills, the choice is considered successful. If side effects occur, another drug is selected.
It is very undesirable to see a doctor whose main tool of work is intuition. After all, oral contraceptives themselves are not very safe: many gynecologists claim that any hormonal drug has side effects, they just do not appear immediately. Therefore, if the doctor’s indifference to the problem of choosing birth control pills is initially obvious, then his complete inattention to the most likely “surprises” that will soon await the woman is almost guaranteed.

For example, many patients who were prescribed Yarina later experience thrombosis. The main reason for this is ignorance that when taking these pills it is recommended to regularly undergo blood clotting tests and, in some cases, additionally take medications that reduce the risk of developing thrombosis.
In general, before you start choosing contraceptives, you need to find a good doctor.

Birth control pills: which one is better to choose yourself

Many women decide to independently select pregnancy pills. The main reason for this is distrust of the gynecologist and reluctance to discuss the details of intimate life with him. Prescribing medications to yourself is a lottery, but to increase your chances of winning it, you need to select contraceptives based on your phenotype. How to define it?

Phenotype	Distinctive features	Recommended drugs
Estrogenic	Low or average height.	Microgynon*, Silest, Miniziston-20*, Rigevidon*.
	Deep feminine voice.
	Dry skin and hair.
	Well developed breasts, enlarged before menstruation.
	Female-type pubic hair growth (triangle pointing down).
	Heavy and long periods (more than 5 days).
	PMS is expressed by increased nervousness and tension.
	The menstrual cycle lasts more than 28 days.
	Profuse leucorrhoea.
	Pregnancy proceeds without any particular complications.
Balanced	Average height.	Miniziston*, Tri-mercy, Novinet, Mercilon, Tri-regol*, Triquilar*, Femoden, Lindinet-20, Marvelon, Lindinet-30, Logest, Milvane, Regulon, Triziston*.
	Feminine voice.
	Normal hair and skin.
	Moderately developed mammary glands.
	Female-type pubic hair growth.
	Moderate menstruation lasting 5 days.
	PMS is mild and there are no noticeable mood swings or physical manifestations.
	28-day menstrual cycle.
	Moderate leucorrhoea.
	Normal course of pregnancy.
Progesterone	Medium or tall height.	Belara*, Yarina, Jess, Chloe, Diane-35, Klaira, Janine*.
	Boyish/masculine features predominate in appearance.
	Low voice.
	Underdeveloped breasts.
	Pubic hair grows in a male pattern (triangle pointing up).
	Oily skin and hair, characterized by redness, acne, pimples, dandruff.
	Light menstrual bleeding lasting less than 5 days.
	PMS is expressed by a depressed mood, pain in the muscles of the legs, abdomen, and lumbar region.
	The menstrual cycle lasts less than 28 days.
	Scanty leucorrhoea.
	Pregnancy is accompanied by toxicosis and significant weight gain.

* – the safest drugs

You should take Novinet, Mercilon, Silest, Marvelon, Regulon, Tri-Mercy, Yarina and Jess tablets with extreme caution, as they have a very negative effect on the liver and significantly increase the risk of blood clots.

You should also remember your family history. Particular attention should be paid to thrombosis, varicose veins, diabetes, cancer, migraines, and epilepsy. If a woman has a predisposition to these pathologies, then it is dangerous for her to take hormonal contraceptives without consulting a doctor.

It is recommended to take the tablets for 6 months to fully understand how suitable they are. But if severe headaches occur, legs swell, depression appears, etc., it is necessary to stop taking the drug. Additionally, you should consult with an appropriate specialist regarding the symptoms that have arisen: for example, a headache is a reason to visit a neurologist.

Improper measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy can cause no less harm than terminating it. Therefore, if luck is not your life partner, it is better to select birth control pills under the supervision of a competent doctor. It's more reliable.

Unplanned pregnancies often end in abortion. This method has a negative impact on health, so it is necessary to use effective methods of contraception. One of the best ways to prevent pregnancy today is the use of oral contraceptives, which contain synthetic analogues of female sex hormones.

The effectiveness of modern birth control pills reaches 100%. In many cases, thanks to them, a therapeutic effect is achieved. Oral hormonal contraceptives (OCs) have been used for more than 40 years. During this time they were constantly studied and improved. Combined OCs have been created in which the hormone content is significantly reduced, while contraceptive effectiveness is maintained.

How does hormonal contraception work?

Birth control pills “turn off” ovulation, while maintaining cyclic bleeding reminiscent of menstruation. The follicle does not grow, the egg does not mature in it, it does not leave the ovaries, so pregnancy is impossible. In addition, the mucus in the cervix thickens, and the endometrium also changes, which prevents the attachment of a fertilized egg in case of pregnancy.

The beneficial effects of oral contraceptives on a woman’s body are as follows:

• stabilization of the menstrual cycle, while the amount of blood released decreases. This helps correct iron deficiency anemia, which occurs in many women;
• reduction of abdominal pain during ovulation and manifestations;
• increasing the protective properties of the mucus of the cervical canal, which halves the frequency of infections of the uterus and appendages;
• reduction in the frequency and associated curettages;
• reducing the risk of developing mastopathy when taking monophasic oral contraceptives, especially those containing progestogens with low androgenic activity;
• suppressing the production of androgens in the ovaries, helping to treat acne, seborrhea, hirsutism and other manifestations of virile syndrome. This is especially true for birth control pills containing progestogens with an antiandrogenic effect or with low androgenic activity;
• increasing bone density, improving calcium absorption, which prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Composition of oral contraceptives, classification and their names

Combined oral contraceptives contain an estrogen and progestogen component. Progestogens prevent pregnancy, and estrogen causes proliferation of the endometrium, simulating its normal development, while eliminating irregular uterine bleeding. In addition, it replaces the body's own estrogens, which are no longer produced in the ovaries when using oral contraception.

The active estrogen found in most birth control medications is ethinyl estradiol. The progestogenic component is represented by derivatives of 19-nortestosterone: Norethisterone, Levonorgestrel, Norgestrel. Modern progestogens have been created: Dienogest, Drospirenone, Desostrel, Norgestimate, Gestodene. They have a minimal androgenic effect, do not cause weight gain, and do not affect fat metabolism in the body.

After childbirth, while breastfeeding, it is recommended to take medications only with a progestogen component (Mini-pill), since estrogens suppress milk secretion. Purely gestagenic drugs are also indicated for women who need to limit the intake of estrogens (patients with hypertension, diabetes, obesity). These include Microlut, Excluton, Charozetta (contains desogestrel).

If oral contraceptives contain less than 35 mcg of estrogen, they are called “low-dose”. In microdosed birth control pills, the concentration of estrogen is reduced to 20-30 mcg. High-dose drugs containing 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol are used primarily for medicinal purposes.

What is the difference between monophasic, biphasic and triphasic drugs?

Oral contraceptives are divided into monophasic, biphasic and triphasic.

• In monophasic tablets, the content of both components is the same in all tablets.
• Biphasic ones contain a constant dose of estrogens and a varying concentration of progestogens, which increases in the second phase of the cycle. At the same time, the total dose of estrogens is slightly higher than in monophasic preparations, and less of progestogens.
• Three-phase contraceptives have a varying ratio of components that simulate the normal menstrual cycle.

List of the most common monophasic contraceptives:

• low-dose: Femoden containing desogestrel - Marvelon and Regulon;
• microdosed: Logest containing desogestrel - Mercilon and Novinet.

List of new generation hormonal contraceptives with a three-phase structure:

• Tri-Mercy (contains desogestrel);
• Trialene;
• Trisileste.

Contraceptive pills with an antiandrogenic effect contain a progestogen component with an antiandrogenic effect (Diane-35, Zhanine) or with a strong progesterone-like effect (Tri-Mercy, Regulon, Novinet). Preparations containing desogestrel are often used to treat hyperandrogenism in adolescents.

Drospirenone is a fourth-generation progestogen component with significant antiestrogenic, antiandrogenic, and antigonadotropic effects. It does not cause any serious side effects. Drospirenone, in particular, is part of such a microdosed monophasic drug as Dimia. It is especially indicated for patients with unstable blood pressure. This drug is very effective in relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Classification of oral contraceptives depending on the composition and phase of action:

Fixed combinations of estrogens and progestogens:

1. Norgestrel + estrogen (cyclo-progynova)
2. Levonorgestrel + estrogen (microgynon, miniziston 20 fem, oralcon, rigevidon)
3. Desogestrel + estrogen (Marvelon, Mercilon, Novinet, Regulon)
4. Gestoden + estrogen (Gestarella, Lindinet, Logest, Femoden)
5. Norgestimate + estrogen (silest)
6. Drospirenone + estrogen (Vidora, Dayla, Jess, Dimia, Midiana, Modell Pro, Modell Trend, Yarina)
7. Nomegestrol + estrogen (zoely)
8. Dienogest + ethinyl estradiol (diecyclen, janine, silhouette)

Progestogens and estrogens in combinations for sequential use:

1. Levonorgestrel + estrogen (tri-regol, trigestrel, triquilar)
2. Desogestrel + estrogen (tri-mercy)

Progestogens:

1. Linestrenol (exluton)
2. Levonorgestrel (postinor, escapelle, eskinor-f)
3. Desogestrel (lactinet, modell mam, charozette)

Medicines for emergency contraception - levonorgestrel.

Which of the following remedies is better to choose for regular use? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Different drugs will be more effective in different situations.

Selection of hormonal oral contraceptives

The prescription of hormonal contraceptives is carried out by a gynecologist after examination and taking into account many factors: the patient’s age, type of contraceptive, dosage and type of progestogen component, dose of estrogen.

The best new generation birth control pills contain progestogens such as gestodene, desogestrel, norgestimate, drospirenone.

How to choose birth control pills depending on age:

1. For women under 35 years of age, low-dose or micro-dose monophasic contraceptives are preferable, as well as triphasic ones, including those containing desogestrel or drospirenone.
2. For women over 35-40 years of age, monophasic drugs with desogestrel or drospirenone, pure progestins or microdoses are more suitable.

The names of birth control pills should be checked with your doctor, because the prescription will most likely only list the active ingredients. The doctor currently does not have the right to write the specific name of the drug in the prescription.

How to take birth control pills

For continuous use, doctors used the “21 + 7” scheme for many years. Nowadays, the “24 + 4” regimen is becoming increasingly widespread, that is, 24 days of admission, a break of 4 days.

During the break, bleeding usually occurs, reminiscent of menstruation. It may begin 2-3 days after stopping use and continue during the first days of taking a new package.

There are regimens that allow you to delay the onset of this bleeding or reduce the number of such cycles during the year. These modes can be used for short periods of time, for example, when traveling to sports competitions or on vacation, before surgery, and so on. Regimens for long-term use can be prescribed during treatment, anemia, as well as for the characteristics of a woman’s life, including sports and professional activities. In this case, the woman does not have her period for many weeks.

Long-term use of oral contraceptives without interruption is used for diseases of the genital organs, for example. In addition, it increases the reliability of contraception and does not cause harm to health.

Hormonal contraceptive regimens

The tablets are taken orally, once a day, at the same time, with a small amount of water. For convenience, many modern contraceptives are available in special packaging that makes it easier to count days. If you miss taking the drug, you must follow the clear rules specified in the instructions. Most often it is recommended to take the next pill as soon as possible and use barrier methods of contraception during this cycle.

Pregnancy after stopping treatment can occur at different times - from a month to a year. This depends on the woman’s health, her hormonal levels, and ovarian function. Taking oral contraceptives in cycles preceding pregnancy is safe for the unborn child. If pregnancy is suspected, immediate discontinuation of oral contraceptives is necessary. However, using them in the early stages will also not cause harm to the fetus.

In some cases, short-term use of birth control for 3 months is used to stimulate ovulation after stopping it, which increases the chance of getting pregnant. This property of hormonal contraceptives is used to treat infertility.

How long can you take birth control pills?

With regular monitoring by a gynecologist, good tolerability and effectiveness, such drugs are used for several years. If necessary, the medicine can be changed, but the method of hormonal contraception itself has proven itself very well for the treatment and prevention of female diseases.

Emergency contraception

Cases of its use are not uncommon, especially if a woman uses primitive methods of contraception (coitus interruptus). It happens that a condom breaks or violence occurs. Every woman should know the names of emergency contraceptive pills. The most commonly used products are Postinor, Escapelle, Eskinor-F.

They should be taken within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. Repeated use of the same drugs in the current menstrual cycle is not recommended. To protect against pregnancy, barrier methods of contraception should be used. In case of repeated unprotected sexual intercourse during the cycle, only emergency non-hormonal contraception using the drug Danazol is used. Its effectiveness is significantly lower than levonorgestrel.

Side effects and contraindications

One of the main myths about birth control pills is that they can cause cancer. Modern oral contraceptives do not cause cancer. On the contrary, in women who use this method of contraception for 3 years, the incidence of endometrial cancer is reduced by half, and the incidence of ovarian or intestinal cancer is reduced by a third.

Side effects are most often mild. At the beginning of treatment, they occur in a third of patients, then these phenomena are observed in every tenth woman.

Side effects of oral contraceptives:

1. Clinical:

• A) general;
• B) causing cycle disorders.

2. Dependent on the action of hormones.

Common side effects include headache and dizziness, depression, breast tightness, weight gain, irritability, stomach pain, thrombophlebitis, decreased glucose tolerance, skin rash and other symptoms. An allergy to the components of the drug is also possible. Hair loss when taking such drugs is rare; it is associated with insufficient antiandrogenic activity of the drug and requires changing the drug to a more effective one.

Menstrual irregularities include intermenstrual spotting when taking hormonal contraceptives, as well as absence of menstruation. If side effects do not go away within 3 months, you need to replace the drug with another one.

Amenorrhea after taking hormonal contraceptives occurs due to endometrial atrophy, goes away on its own or is treated with estrogens.

Severe consequences after taking contraceptives are rare. These include thrombosis and thromboembolism, including deep veins or pulmonary artery. The risk of these complications is lower than during pregnancy. However, oral contraceptives are relatively contraindicated if there is at least one risk factor for thrombosis: smoking, obesity, arterial hypertension.

Use is contraindicated in the following cases:

• arterial and venous thrombosis;
• previous transient ischemic attack;
• cardiac ischemia;
• diabetes mellitus with vascular complications;
• migraine with focal neurological symptoms;
• combination of risk factors for thrombosis;
• severe diseases of the liver and pancreas;
• tumors of the liver, genital organs, mammary glands;
• uterine bleeding of unknown cause;
• pregnancy;
• for combined drugs – lactation.

If you avoid using birth control pills with such contraindications, then the likely harm from hormonal contraceptives is much less than their real benefit.

If a woman does not want or cannot take hormonal OCs, she can use new generation non-hormonal birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. It must be clearly understood that they mean spermicidal agents for topical use, that is, vaginal tablets. They need to be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. These drugs not only kill sperm, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Unfortunately, the contraceptive effectiveness of such drugs is less; the chance of getting pregnant when using them is 20-25%. From this group, vaginal tablets Pharmatex, Benatex, Ginekotex are most often used.

In modern gynecology, hormonal contraception is considered the “gold standard” for protecting against unwanted pregnancy. Modern drugs are effective, well tolerated, and have not only a contraceptive, but also a therapeutic effect. Choosing birth control pills on your own is difficult. To discuss issues of birth control, you should consult a doctor.

The latest birth control pills: freedom of choice. Hormonal and non-hormonal, used after intercourse. Which ones are better to use?

Thank you

The main priorities of modern medicine are caring for the preservation of women’s reproductive health, protection and ensuring safe motherhood. It is no secret that Russia is one of the first places in terms of the number of abortions. Abortion is a real operation that often leads to infertility, menstrual irregularities, miscarriages, and even maternal mortality. We can draw the following conclusion: measures to prevent abortions can help maintain a woman’s health and give birth to a healthy child.

No wonder they say that children are the flowers of life. But each flower opens only at a time determined by nature. A woman has the right to give birth to a child whenever she wants, at any time in her life, so that the child is desired and happy. This fact is confirmed by law.

For the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and abortion at a certain stage of a woman’s life, plays an important role contraception.

Contraception has been used by women since ancient times. Thus, even in Ancient Africa, intravaginal herbal remedies in the form of a cocoon were used, and in America they used douching with herbal decoctions, lemon juice, and mahogany bark decoction at the end of sexual intercourse.

The number of contraceptives increased over time, but effective methods and reliable drugs appeared only in the 20th century.

New contraceptives appear almost every day. Science does not stand still. They are easy to use, reliable, safe for health, and moreover, they have a therapeutic effect for certain diseases.

Currently, medicine offers various contraception, and a woman can always choose which methods and drugs to use. Our country provides freedom of choice of contraceptives, but a woman cannot always decide for herself what is best for her. In deciding on the choice of a contraceptive, a consultation with the attending physician will help - only a qualified specialist can assess the woman’s health status, determine the indications for prescribing a particular method of contraception, and suggest the best drug for the patient.

Hormonal oral contraceptives

Every year, an increasing number of women use hormonal contraception. In Russia, over the past ten years, the use of hormonal contraceptives has increased more than 5 times. Reliability, ease of use, a minimum of side effects, and a beneficial effect on the organs and systems of the body allow hormonal drugs to find more and more grateful fans. Women today prefer hormonal oral contraceptives as the most effective. Combined birth control pills are the gold standard of contraception, their effectiveness is 99%. The newest hormonal contraceptives have created a sensation, a real revolution among other means of contraception.

The effectiveness of contraceptive drugs is assessed by experts by counting the number of unplanned pregnancies per 100 women during the year. This indicator is called the Pearl index.

Types and composition of birth control pills

The first oral contraceptives appeared in the fifties and sixties of the 20th century. The predecessor of all drugs for practical use is the contraceptive Enovid, which contained 0.15 mg of mestranol and 15 mg of norethinodrel. Then the development of hormonal agents developed and underwent the following changes:

• New birth control pills began to contain small dosages of hormones, while at the same time their effectiveness and reliability were maintained.
• New analogues of female sex hormones have been obtained: ethanyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.
• Third generation progestogens appeared - norgestimate, desogestrel, gestodene.
• The newest contraceptives have been developed - mini-pills that do not contain gestagen.

Taking drugs with low concentrations of hormones helps reduce side effects and complications.

Combined contraceptives contain two components:
1. Synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol, which is the estrogenic component of drugs.
2. Progestational component in the form of various progestogens.

All birth control pills, depending on the dosage of hormones, are divided into the following types:

• monophasic;
• two-phase;
• three-phase.

In monophasic hormonal contraceptives, the daily dose of active components is constant, but the composition may vary. It is clear that monophasic drugs consist of tablets with the same dose of hormones. These tablets are the same color and are used during one course. Popular monophasic contraceptives include: Regulon, Marvelon, Silest, Novinet, Mercilon, Rigevidon.

Biphasic drugs involve changing hormone doses twice per course, three-phase drugs - three times. Typically, such tablets for one course have different colors. Two-phase contraceptives include Anteovin, three-phase contraceptives include Tri-mercy, Triquilar, Tri-regol, Triziston.

“Mini-pill” contraceptives are monophasic and are intended for the period of breastfeeding and lactation. These include: Lactinet, Exluton, Charozetta.

The action of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is based on blocking ovulation. In this way they protect against unplanned pregnancy. Only progestogen has the ability to block the ovulation process, the dose of which is the same in all combined contraceptive pills. The difference between microdose and low-dose drugs is only in the dosage of estrogen. Estrogens affect a woman's menstrual cycle.

Depending on the dosage of the active ingredients, birth control pills are divided into four types:

Microdosed birth control pills
As a rule, these products contain minimal doses of the hormone ethinyl estradiol. Side effects when using them are minimal. In some cases, they have the ability to eliminate hormonal imbalances: acne (especially in adolescence), painful menstruation. These pills are best suited for young girls under 25 years of age who have not given birth and have regular sex life. They can also be used by mature women over 35 years of age, and by women who have never used hormonal contraception. The most popular are: Tri-Mercy, Jess, Mercilon, Lindinet -20, Klaira, Novinet.

Low-dose birth control pills
The drugs contain the same ethinyl estradiol, but in combination with various hormones: desogestrel, gestodene, norgestimate, dienogest or levonorgestrel. These birth control pills are recommended for young women who have given birth. In addition to the contraceptive effect, these products have a pronounced antiandrogenic effect: they help eliminate unwanted hair growth on the face, prevent the appearance of acne and hair loss due to hormonal imbalance. Popular tablets: Regulon, Belara, Marvelon, Yarina, Janine, Midiana, Femoden.

Medium-dose contraceptive pills
Typically contain two hormones: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Less commonly, they may contain other combinations of hormones. Medium-dose contraceptive pills are intended for women who have given birth, especially those over 30 years of age. They also have an antiandrogenic effect, which is important for women who have not recovered from pregnancy and childbirth. However, when choosing a drug, one condition must be observed - these products are not suitable for nursing mothers. Popular tablets: Diana 35, Demoulen, Tri-Regol, Chloe.

High dose birth control pills
They contain ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, but only in high doses. Such drugs are primarily used to treat and prevent hormonal diseases. Contraceptives of this type can be taken by women over 35 years of age, if drugs with a low dosage of hormones are ineffective. These include: Triquilar, Tri-regol, Ovidon, Milvane, Non-Ovlon.

Newest birth control pills: how to choose?

A woman wants a fulfilling life, and fear and reluctance of an unplanned pregnancy should not be a reason for refusing sexual relations. There are many ways to protect yourself. The most reliable are birth control pills.

Choosing a contraceptive is difficult and should be taken seriously.

Ideally, a specialist should select contraceptive drugs, but sometimes a woman decides for herself which pills to take. In these cases, it is necessary to carefully collect information about the product. Where to start?
1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of birth control medications.
2. Compare all the pros and cons.
3. Define your goal - decide what you want to get from using oral contraceptives.

What do you need to know to make the right choice? Let's figure it out.

A woman should find information about drugs and their effect on the body. It should be borne in mind that birth control pills differ in parameters, degree of reliability and side effects.

Combined contraceptives usually contain two analogs of female sex hormones, so they come first in terms of reliability. Combined oral medications are used both to protect against pregnancy and to treat diseases and hormonal disorders. Women who choose hormonal birth control pills are still advised to consult with their doctor and undergo a hormonal test.

New contraceptives are the so-called “mini-pills”. They contain only one hormone - therefore the reliability of the drugs is 90%. Their advantage is the possibility of use during lactation, as well as by women who are intolerant to estrogen (part of COCs).

The next type of birth control pill is represented by emergency contraception. These tablets are not intended for long-term use, but are used immediately after sexual intercourse. The hormone content in them is very high, so these products can only be used once a month.

Currently, contraceptive drugs of the second to fifth generations have appeared on the market. These newer drugs contain a small dose of hormones and have mild side effects. It should be understood that there are no good or bad contraceptives. There are products that are suitable or not suitable for a woman. Therefore, to select contraceptives, the individual characteristics of a particular woman’s body must be taken into account.

When making your own selection, you must first determine the phenotype—the woman’s body type.

The following types of female phenotype are distinguished:
1. With a predominance of estrogens - estrogenic type.
2. With a balance of estrogens and gestagens - a balanced type.
3. With a predominance of gestagens and androgens - gestagenic type.

The phenotype is determined by the following characteristics: general appearance, volume and condition of the mammary glands, skin type, the nature of menstruation, duration of the menstrual cycle, the presence of toxicosis during a previous pregnancy, the woman’s body weight and tendency to be overweight.

A balanced phenotype is characterized by average indicators of these traits. In this case, it is recommended to take Marvelon, Triquilar, Microgynon, Triziston, Mercilon, Tri-Mercy, Regulon.

When the estrogenic phenotype predominates, it is characterized by a very feminine appearance, a very long menstrual cycle, very heavy menstrual and vaginal discharge, and moderate fullness. It is advisable to take drugs such as Anteovin, Minulet, Norinil, Rigevidon, Miniziston.

When the gestagenic phenotype predominates, all the signs are less pronounced: unfeminine appearance, small volume of mammary glands, scanty periods, short duration of the menstrual cycle, oily skin. The following remedies are effective: Bisekurin, Chloe, Non-ovlon, Yarina, Ovidon, Jess, Janine, Klaira, Diane, Midiana, Belara.

No matter how carefully the choice is made, it still happens that the drug is not suitable. The ideal selection method has not yet been invented. Often you have to act by trial and error, but sometimes this is inevitable, because every woman’s body is unique.

It has been proven that the criterion for a successful choice of contraceptive is the absence of menstruation for three months - i.e. adaptation period. Then this drug can be taken for a long time.

Non-hormonal birth control pills

Along with hormonal contraceptives, non-hormonal birth control pills appeared at one time. Today there is a rise in the popularity of these funds, which is explained by some of the features of their action.

The fact is that the use of non-hormonal birth control pills is not contraindicated for women immediately after childbirth, nursing mothers, and women who cannot take hormones. And another important detail: non-hormonal drugs for preventing pregnancy not only have the ability to destroy sperm, but also contribute to the formation of a protective film on the vaginal mucosa and thickening of mucus in the cervical canal. Moreover, active substances - spermicides - reduce the speed of sperm movement, and the resulting mucus is a barrier to their penetration into the uterus. This is good protection against unwanted pregnancy. Non-hormonal contraceptive pills, which is important in our time, protect women from sexually transmitted infections, as they have both antiseptic and antimicrobial effects.

It follows that non-hormonal contraceptives can be used by many women at different periods of life. The use of tablets is a barrier chemical method of contraception. They are easy to use, do not disrupt hormonal levels, can be used at any reproductive age of a woman, and are a prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Birth control pills Pharmatex

The most popular non-hormonal contraceptive currently is the drug Farmatex. Pharmatex has spermicidal, antiseptic and antimicrobial effects.

In addition to the contraceptive effect, Pharmatex birth control pills prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and reduce the risk of their consequences: infertility, miscarriage, cervical diseases, tumors caused by HIV infection.

A huge advantage of using Pharmatex is that it in no way affects either hormonal levels or the vaginal microflora.

Pharmatex, like other non-hormonal tablets, affects such types of microorganisms as trichomonas, gonococci, chlamydia, Candida fungi, and herpes virus. Pharmatex acts locally, which does not cause side effects on organs and systems of the whole body.

The use of vaginal tablets is more suitable for women in the postpartum period, during lactation and breastfeeding, after an abortion, and with irregular sex life, when there is no permanent partner.

Mode of application
The manufacturer of the product usually includes instructions for use. Basically, non-hormonal vaginal tablets are inserted into the vagina to a sufficient depth 10 minutes before sexual intercourse. For more convenient administration of tablets and other dosage forms, a special applicator is included in the package of the medicine.

You need to know that before each subsequent sexual intercourse, and in the case of sexual intercourse that occurs later than two hours after the administration of the tablet, a new tablet must be administered. Of course, this is inconvenient to a certain extent, since a woman cannot afford to re-inject the pill after accidental or unexpected sex. She needs to plan the timing of intercourse, which is unnatural.

The effect of the drug is believed to last from 40 minutes to several hours. But you need to remember that the use of vaginal tablets is not combined with water procedures before and after sexual intercourse using intimate hygiene products.

In some women, the drug may cause a burning sensation in the vagina. In this case, you should consult your doctor about continuing or discontinuing Pharmatex. The reliability of Pharmatex is 80-82%.

Contraceptive suppositories and creams

Although the reliability of vaginal contraceptives is less high compared to hormonal contraceptives, they continue to gain popularity ratings. Only improper use of these products can lead to unwanted pregnancy.

In addition to tablets, manufacturers offer the use of other dosage forms: suppositories, creams, ointments. The active substance in the suppositories is either nonoxynol or benzalkonium chloride.

Pharmatex is also available in various forms: vaginal suppositories, tampons, cream, capsules.

Advantages of using contraceptive suppositories
Contraceptive suppositories are easy to use, easily inserted into the vagina, and have minor side effects. Another advantage of using non-hormonal vaginal suppositories is the effect of additional lubrication. They are especially suitable for partners who have problems with natural lubrication and dryness in the genitals.

Vaginal suppositories protect a woman from sexually transmitted infections and are indispensable for casual sexual intercourse, infrequent sexual intercourse, or in the absence of a permanent partner.
Disadvantages of using contraceptive suppositories
Vaginal contraceptive suppositories can affect the microflora of the vagina, since in addition to the active substance they contain acids. Burning and itching, allergic rashes that occur when using suppositories are indications for their discontinuation.

Dosing
Vaginal suppositories. The suppository is inserted into the vagina 10 minutes before sexual intercourse. The drug is effective for 4 hours.

Vaginal tampon. The tampon is taken out of the package and inserted into the vagina using a finger, right up to the cervix. The protection effect occurs immediately and lasts 24 hours. The tampon does not need to be changed during this period, which is very convenient. The tampon does not change even if there are several sexual intercourses that follow each other during the day. The tampon is removed no earlier than 2 hours after the last sexual intercourse, but no later than 24 hours after its first insertion into the vagina.

Vaginal cream. It is inserted into the vagina using a special syringe. The device should be filled to the mark without the formation of air bubbles. Then slowly insert into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The introduction is made lying down. The effect of the product begins immediately and lasts about 10 hours. Before repeated sexual intercourse, it is necessary to re-administer a portion of the cream.

Popular drugs: Pharmatex, Nonoxynol, Patentex Oval, Contraceptin T.

Birth control pills after intercourse

One method that prevents unplanned pregnancy is called emergency contraception. This is the only protection in emergency situations: rape, forced sexual intercourse and mental conditions associated with them. Emergency contraception is also used during unprotected sexual intercourse, as post-coital protection against possible pregnancy.

Sometimes this method is simply called: emergency, fire, emergency contraception, contraception the morning after. But it is still correct to call it emergency, since this method is used in emergency situations.

Emergency contraception aims to prevent pregnancy at the following stages: ovulation, fertilization and consolidation of the fertilized egg in the endometrium (inner layer of the uterine mucosa).

• in emergency situations involving violent acts on the part of a partner, as well as when the integrity of the condom is broken or a woman misses taking a contraceptive pill;
• with rare sexual contacts;
• during unprotected sex, when no contraceptive methods were used.

Contraindications for this method are the same as for taking other birth control pills, namely:

• thrombosis and thromboembolism (even in history);
• liver diseases with a high degree of failure;
• kidney diseases;
• oncological diseases.

For this method, hormonal drugs containing estrogens, combined hormonal contraceptives, as well as drugs containing gestagens and intrauterine devices can be used.

Estrogens for emergency contraception have not been used so often lately, since they contain high doses of hormones, which leads to side effects - nausea and vomiting.

Combined contraceptive pills are used within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, twice, with a break of 12 hours. You can use any drug from this group.

The most well-known drug for emergency contraception in Russia is Postinor. It is recommended to take it twice, one tablet at a time. The first tablet is taken no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse, the second - 12 hours after the first.

The second emergency contraceptive drug, Escapelle, is taken once within 96 hours after sexual intercourse.

Combined oral contraceptives are taken daily for 21 days. Then a break of 7 days is taken, and the next package of the drug begins. The course begins with an active tablet.

"Mini-pills" are taken without interruption. Immediately after finishing the package, the next one begins.

Break in reception

It is recommended to take birth control pills for a long time, but you should see a gynecologist once a year. If the doctor does not determine any contraindications to taking your usual medications, then you can safely continue taking them.

Menstruation upon admission

When taking COCs, your periods may stop if you take them for a long time. When using other oral contraceptives, periods may become scanty and last a shorter time.

If you have been taking contraceptives regularly, without omissions or breaks, but your periods have stopped, then you need to continue taking them.

But if the intake was irregular, you should suspect the onset of pregnancy, immediately stop using the contraceptive and contact a gynecologist to identify it.

Menstruation after cancellation

Menstruation returns completely within one to two months after stopping birth control pills. According to experts, approximately 80% of women have a planned pregnancy. If your periods have not returned within six months, you should consult a doctor.

Bleeding when taken

After starting to take the pills, a woman may experience spotting. You should not interrupt the course for this reason. The spotting disappears as you continue taking it.

If heavy bleeding occurs, consult a doctor.

Is it possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills?

Pregnancy can occur only if the contraceptive regimen is violated. If the delay in taking the pill is more than 12 hours, the effectiveness of the contraceptive effect is weakened.

Another situation is when a woman vomits when taking it. Then you need to take the next pill, since the first one is not absorbed. If vomiting occurs repeatedly, it is better to switch to another type of medication. The same steps should be taken for loose stools.

The reliability of contraceptives may decrease when taking other medications - for example, antibiotics, St. John's wort infusions, etc. In this case, the use of an additional method of contraception is recommended.

How long can you take the pills?

Unfortunately, fear of hormonal drugs among Russian women is passed on from generation to generation. Women ask a lot of questions and try to find answers to them.

According to scientists, fifth-generation contraceptives have already appeared in Russia, which have minor side effects. But the number of questions is not decreasing.

Is it possible to take birth control pills continuously for more than a year?

In the absence of side effects of the drugs taken by a woman, as well as medical contraindications for their use, it is allowed to take contraceptives for quite a long time, even several years. Changing pills to others, or taking breaks in taking them, is not useful, but on the contrary, harmful. The body adjusts to one type of pill; switching to other contraceptives forces it to work in a different rhythm. Research by scientists has proven that breaks do not affect the incidence of complications or the development of subsequent pregnancies.

Pregnancy after stopping birth control pills

Calculations confirm that pregnancy can occur immediately after stopping birth control pills, or after a short period of time. Interestingly, after discontinuation, the likelihood of pregnancy increases several times. Doctors use this circumstance in the treatment of infertility.

Is it possible to stop taking birth control pills?

A woman has the right to stop taking contraceptives whenever she wishes.

Which is better: birth control pills or the IUD?

Women often ask: “Isn’t it better to insert an intrauterine device than to take pills?” Again, the same fear of hormones makes us think about canceling combined oral medications. It must be taken into account that the spiral is a foreign body in the uterine cavity, which can cause inflammation. Tablets are more reliable and safe.

The best birth control pills

We have already said that it is impossible to determine the best pills for a particular woman. Every woman should choose the pills that are suitable only for her. Currently, fifth-generation drugs have appeared, and side effects such as obesity and infertility are a thing of the past. Modern contraceptives contain minimal doses of hormones and have virtually no side effects. We will try to give short descriptions of some drugs.

Jess

Jess contraceptive pills are a new, practical solution for preventing unwanted pregnancy for young women. This drug contains small doses of estrogen - 20 mcg, and progestogen drospirenone - 3 mg, which reduces the risk of vascular complications. The tablets are well tolerated and do not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

This drug belongs to the fourth generation of contraceptive drugs.

It is recommended to use the drug for a long time. The package contains 28 tablets. Take the tablets daily, preferably at the same time. Start taking Jess on the first day of menstrual bleeding, then drink continuously.

Jess is a novelty in medicine. The popularity of the drug is growing. Jess provides reliable protection, controls the menstrual cycle, is used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, acne, and has a beneficial effect on hair and nails. At the same time, the weight of women using Jess remains stable. The period of adaptation to the contraceptive is 1-2 months.

No wonder the drug Jess is called the contraceptive of the twenty-first century.

Novinet

The action of the new contraceptive Novinet is based on blocking ovulation and the production of luteinizing hormone. This makes it possible to delay the movement of sperm into the uterus by increasing the viscosity of the mucus in the cervical canal.

The drug has minimal side effects, does not cause pain during menstruation, and does not affect a woman’s weight gain.

When taking Novinet, nausea, rarely vomiting, partial hair loss, and headaches may occur.

Novinet is taken 1 tablet daily for 21 days. The break is 7 days, on the eighth day a new package is started.

Breastfeeding women can start taking the drug three weeks after giving birth. It should be remembered that Novinet dramatically increases the amount of breast milk.

Reviews about Novinet are mostly positive.

Janine

Janine refers to monophasic low-dose contraceptives. The contraceptive effect of the drug is due to a combination of three actions: inhibition of ovulation, increased viscosity of cervical secretions and changes in the endometrium in terms of preventing the introduction of sperm.

The active ingredients are dienogest and ethinyl estradiol.

Janine take 1 tablet per day for three weeks. Then they take a break for a week, after which the course is repeated.

Reviews about Janine prove a truly pronounced contraceptive effect.

Regulon

Regulon is a combined oral contraceptive. Active substances - 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel. Regulon acts similarly to the previous drug.

Regulon helps with menstrual disorders and uterine bleeding.

Reviews about Regulon
Women who have taken this drug note the quality of the drug and its reliability. Regulon acts much more gently than other drugs. It was often recommended by doctors for use by teenagers and young girls. With long-term use it does not cause side effects, reliably protects against unwanted pregnancy and does not contribute to weight gain.

Women who have used it for medicinal purposes speak positively about Regulon. The drug helps with uterine bleeding, heavy vaginal discharge, improves the quality and appearance of hair, nails and skin.

Yarina

The drug Yarina is also popular in Russia. This is an effective new generation oral contraceptive. The active substances are drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

The drug is well tolerated and has minor side effects. During administration, the woman’s weight remains unchanged, there is no nausea or vomiting, and the therapeutic effect is pronounced - a decrease in premenstrual symptoms, symptoms of seborrhea, acne.

Women taking Yarina noted the high reliability of the drug, as well as improved mood, restoration of libido, and normalization of the menstrual cycle.

The minimum cost of a monthly dose of the drug in Russia ranges from 600 rubles.

Logest

Logest is a modern new generation contraceptive. It contains a minimal amount of hormones. In addition to a persistent contraceptive effect, it has a therapeutic and prophylactic effect on the course of female cancer, which is an advantage of the drug.

The effect of the drug is based on inhibition of ovulation, increasing the viscosity of the secretion, which impedes the movement of sperm and prevents implantation of the egg in the uterus.

Taking the pills starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle. Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days. Then they take a week break, after which the course is repeated.

When the drug is discontinued, the body's ability to conceive is completely restored.

The price of the drug ranges from 330 to 450 rubles per package.

Claira

Quite recently, new birth control pills, Qlaira, appeared in our country. Qlaira is the first fifth generation contraceptive, the latest and highest quality contraceptive.

Qlaira is a natural oral contraceptive. For the first time, the composition of a combined hormonal contraceptive preparation did not include ethinyl estradiol as an active substance. It was successfully replaced by the softer and safer hormone estradiolavalerate, which is a hormone with a natural formula. This hormone has been well studied and is used mainly to treat symptoms of menopause.

To enhance contraceptive functions, scientists added the active substance dienogest to estradiol valeriat, which also solved the problem of intermenstrual bleeding.

The procedure for taking the drug has also been changed. It has a unique dynamic dosing mode. Qlaira is a four-phase hormonal drug. The package contains two placebo tablets, that is, they do not contain the active ingredient, and 26 active tablets with different doses of the active substance. Doses of estrogen when taken are gradually reduced, and doses of gestagen are increased. This dosage regimen increases the effectiveness of the drug several times.

At the present stage of development of contraception, the drug Qlaira is revolutionary, providing a high degree of protection and treatment of female diseases.

Despite a very large selection of birth control pills, the percentage of abortions remains high in our country. Women do not have sufficient information about the drugs, they experience panic fear of using hormonal drugs, not allowing the idea that safe and reliable contraceptives have appeared at the present stage. New generation birth control pills, containing reduced doses of active substances, can help women plan a pregnancy without the risk of complications and abortions.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Oral contraceptives are considered the best option for reliable pregnancy protection. They are suitable for women who have regular sex life with one partner. The potential harm from OCs is much lower than the actual preventive effect of many diseases.

How do you select OK?

First, the obstetrician is the type of woman. A woman can independently determine her type by looking in the mirror. Women of the estrogen type are usually short with a very feminine figure, female-type hair - no hair above the upper lip, hair in the pubic area does not extend beyond the bikini area. Menstruation is usually abundant, PMS is well expressed, occurring with nervousness and engorgement of the mammary glands. Skin and hair are often dry. Pregnancy proceeds without complications. Progestin drugs are optimal for such women.

Thin, tall women with a boyish figure who have a low menstruation voice have elevated progesterone levels. Poorly developed mammary glands, oily skin prone to acne, problems during pregnancy also speak in favor of the progesterone type. Such women are shown drugs with antiandrogenic effects.

For women of a balanced type with normal height, feminine physique, and no signs of increased progesterone levels, micro and low-dose drugs are suitable.

It is important that these signs should be assessed together. Often women who appear to be of the estogen type have increased levels of progesterone: oily skin, problems during pregnancy, male-pattern hair growth.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a drug without laboratory diagnostics, when the hormonal type is beyond doubt, the woman has been examined previously and no violations have been identified.

Trial and error method

Unfortunately, tests and other objective data do not always allow you to select a drug the first time. Women complain that for about six months now the doctor has not been able to prescribe “good” pills and turn to a friend for help. In the antenatal clinic, the selection of OCs is carried out under supervision, the doctor prescribes additional ultrasounds and hormone tests. This allows you to find out the body's reaction to the drug. The absence of weight gain and a visible antiandrogenic effect is an important factor, but not a determining one.

Errors and misconceptions

Women who self-prescribe OK often take an annual break so that the body can “rest.” This increases the risk of side effects. A properly selected drug can be taken for a long time without risk to health.

Bloody discharge in the first three months after starting to take OK is normal. You should choose other tablets if the discharge has been bothering you for more than 3 months.

The safest contraceptive

Not long ago, new, microdosed OCs appeared; they contain an extremely small amount of hormones and can be used by women of all ages. The risk of side effects and discomfort is minimized, and the contraceptive effect is quite high.

Special cases

For women with diseases of the reproductive system, OCs can be a salvation, blocking the functioning of the ovaries, they prevent the appearance of endometriosis, and reduce the risk of tumor diseases. During lactation, you can also use OCs, which belong to the category of mini-pills and contain gestagen.

If you decide to purchase contraceptives without a doctor's prescription, select them according to your hormonal type and read the contraindications.

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