Oral contraception has become a popular method among women to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Two types of pills are available on the market, one which have two artificial female hormones oestrogen and progestogen known as 'the pill' and the other which have only one artificial female hormone progestogen known as the 'mini pill' and are often also known as the 'progestogen only pill' (POP). Some of the pills available under this category are Cerazette and Micronor, which are discussed in detail below.

Cerazette

Cerazette is a contraceptive pill, commonly as the 'mini pill' which has been proven to be almost 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The active ingredient present in this pill is desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen, which makes the pill work just like the combined pills. The pill should be taken on the very first day of your period to get the benefit of immediate protection against unwanted pregnancy. This, unlike other 'mini pills' give protection against unwanted pregnancy just like 'the pill' by preventing ovulation from occurring.

Women above the age of 18 and wanting to go for a long-term contraception can take this pill, which also gives them a relief from painful periods. This pill is also safe for women who are breastfeeding or are above 35 years of age and smoke. But women who are pregnant, or with a history of circulation problems, breast cancer and have recently had jaundice or unexplained vaginal bleeding should avoid taking this pill. This pill can be taken even 12 hours after the usual time with or without food, and will still provide protection.

The side effects commonly reported for this pill are nausea, acne, headaches, breast pain, mood changes, lower libido, weight gain, and irregular or no periods.

Micronor is a mini contraceptive pill, in which the active ingredient present is norethisterone (0.35 mg) and gives protection in two ways. Firstly, it prevents the womb lining from thickening so that the egg is unable to settle and grow and secondly, it thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm is unable to enter the womb. If you take the pill just after ovulation, it gives you immediate protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Women above the age of 18 can take this contraceptive pill except for those who have diabetes or have had cancer in the past but is most suitable for women who are breastfeeding, is over 35 and smoke, have heart problems, and have a history of circulation problems. The pill should be taken for full 28 days of your menstrual cycle and should not be taken more than 3 hours later than the usual time as it may not provide you with the complete benefits.

Many women experience certain side effects in the initial period of using this pill which are headaches, migraines, nausea, and changes in weight or libido.

These contraceptive pills can be bought online by providing your medical history online, in order to avoid the inconvenience of a face to face consultation with your local doctor.