Health Tips

PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL AND COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL: WHICH TO CHOOSE

Have you ever wondered, of so many types of contraceptive pills, what are the differences between them, and which is best suited for you? Well fret not, we got your covered.

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In this article, we will introduce the significant differences between 2 types of oral contraceptives which are combined oral contraceptive pill and progestogen-only pill.

Generally, hormonal contraceptive pills contains man-made hormones, Oestrogen and Progesterone, that can also be naturally found in human’s body and regulates a lists of important biological actions in our body. While Oestrogen and Progesterone can both inhibit ovulation thus achieving contraception, progesterone has another mechanism to curb the entry of sperm into the fallopian tube by making the cervical mucus thick and sticky.¹

TYPES OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

Combine oral contraceptive pill^1,2

As the name implies, this pill contains a combination of the 2 types of man-made hormone, Oestrogen and Progesterone. With both hormones packed in a pill, it can provide better menstrual bleeding control as compared with progestogen only pill but also carried more side effects of oestrogen such as mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness, bloating and headache.

Progestogen only pill^1,2

With both the mechanism of inhibiting ovulation and thickening of the mucus, progesterone alone can also provide sufficient level of contraception with a surprising fact: The dose of progesterone is generally lower in progestogen only pill than most combined pills! However, it does not affect how effective it is in terms of contraception, and additionally, with the absence of oestrogen’s side effects. Well, everything has a downside, this pill requires a more stringent habit in taking them at the same time each day to ensure efficacy as 1 pill only works for 21 hours.

Now, let us explore on how to choose the best pill for you! Talk to us now!

REASONS TO CHOOSE...

If you have questions or doubts on which types of pill suits you best, take a look at the reasons below and think about which one of them are relatively important to you and hopefully it can guide you in choosing your pills.

1. Combined oral contraceptive pills ^2,3,4

• Easily reversible when you wish to get pregnant

• Soothe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Reductions in menstrual cramps

• Shorter, lighter, and more predictable periods, fewer or no periods when taking active pills

• Reduced risk of certain cancers (ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal)

• Beneficial in bone mineral density improvement

• Help with acne problem

2. Progestogen-only pills ²

• Easily reversible when you wish to get pregnant

• Safer than combined pills in terms of  blood clots, migraines, high blood pressure or risk of heart disease

• Lesser risk of interference on breast feeding as compared to combined pill

• Reduced risk of endometrial cancer

Now you know what the reasons are to choose between the 2 types of pills, let us take a look at scenarios that healthcare professionals would discourage you on getting the pills.

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DOWNSIDES...

Like everything else in the world, the pills also have their downsides despite being effective in contraception. However, with good practice in taking the pills, the benefits of the pill will always outweigh its risks.

1. Combined Oral Contraceptive pills ^2,5

• Bad pill taking habit may reduce effectiveness

• Will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (HIV)

• Elevated risk of blood clots and heart diseases in rare cases

• Less than 1 out of 10 women experience side effects such as, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, , weight gain and headache

2. Progestogen-only pills ²

• Very stringent adherence needed (requires to be taken at same time every day— if missed a pill or more than 3 hours late, an alternative birth control is required for at least two days

• Will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (HIV)

• Side effects including ovarian cysts, decreased libido, headache, breast tenderness, acne, weight gain, and hirsutism

• Slight increased chances of ectopic pregnancy (Pregnancy that occur outside of uterus)

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Now we have reached the end of the article. Hopefully, this article gives you more insight and knowledge on how to choose between the types of oral contraceptive pills. Do you still have any questions regarding OCPs? Consult our online pharmacists for free HERE! You can also get your OCPs sent to you WITHOUT delivery fees. What's more, you can get a FREE OXWHITE premium cloth mask when you purchase OCPs from us today!

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References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007460.htm
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/best-birth-control-pill/art-20044807
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
4. https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-pills
5. https://www.howuknow.com/en/contraception-methods/short-acting-contraception/the-pill

Written By

Mr. Heng Meng Ze

Reviewed By

Doc2us Medical Board