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Most commonly known as “the Pill,” combination birth control pills contain both progesterone and estrogen. Working together, these hormones stop ovulation and prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
Progesterone-only pills, sometimes called “mini pills,” are birth control pills that don’t contain the estrogen hormone. They work by creating changes in the cervix and uterus, to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
91% effective
Small number of women experience nausea, spotting, decreased sex drive, sore breasts, headaches or moodiness.
Risk of blood clots.
No protection against STI’s. Remember to use a barrier method too, like a condom to protect yourself.
Not hormone free. Combined pills all contain the same estrogen, but each has a different progesterone. When you hear the term “low-dose pill” this refers to the dose of estrogen as different pills may have different doses. Typically, we have pills that have 20, 30 or 50 mcg. More often the 20 and 30 mcg are used. Just as we are all different, we will all respond differently to the combination of a given progesterone with a given estrogen dose. It is normal to try a few different ones until you find the one that works best for you!
Requires a visit with a health care professional to have your blood pressure done. A prescription is given to you by your provider which you can take to a pharmacy. Make sure you receive a prescription for 12 months!
10 – $30/package. If you have a drug plan then this could be covered for you.
It is perfectly normal to take the pill continuously and miss your ‘pill-free’ week.
91% effective
Fewer side effects than the Combined Pill. Women may experience bleeding in between periods, sore breasts, nausea and vomiting and perhaps a change in your sex drive.
No protection against STI’s. Remember to use a barrier method too, like a condom to protect yourself.
In Canada, we have the “Mini-Pill” or Micronor which contains one type of progestin (norethindrone). There is no estrogen in them and women often use this if they are sensitive to the Combined Pill.
Requires a visit with a health care professional to have your blood pressure done. A prescription is given to you by your provider which you can take to a pharmacy. Make sure you receive a prescription for 12 months!
$10 – $30/package
If you have a drug plan this could be covered for you.
Reduces risk of ovarian cancer, anemia, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.
May make periods more regular, lighter and shorter or prevent them entirely.
It is perfectly normal to take the pill continuously and miss your ‘pill-free’ week.