Pill-swallowing may present difficulties to some patients. Thankfully, alternative forms of medication exist that can assist those experiencing difficulty swallowing pills – compounding pharmacists can craft lotions, creams, gels and foam for direct skin application by compounding pharmacies.
Progestogen only pills (also referred to as minipills) contain only progestin hormone and are 87% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken according to instructions.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills containing combined estrogen-progestin medication, more commonly referred to as birth control pills, can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy; however, their failure rate can reach up to 9% when used incorrectly or inconsistently. For this reason, women at risk of unintended pregnancy may find other forms of contraception such as mini pills or levonorgestrel intrauterine devices more suitable options.
Women considering taking combination or progestin-only pills must discuss with their clinician the benefits and risks of this birth control method in detail. Informed decision making depends on understanding how taking the pill correctly impacts efficacy; education about proper usage, as well as understanding symptoms like vomiting or severe diarrhoea is paramount to avoiding adverse events occurring. Primary care physicians and gynecologists are best equipped to offer this education to ensure optimal effectiveness of birth control methods.
Emergency pills
Many people take EC pills to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but there are other methods that may work as well. One option is the copper IUD which can be placed by a clinician; another way is the newly available ulipristal acetate pill (branded name ella).
Both types work by interfering with ovulation and are most effective when taken within three days of unprotected sexual encounter.
Some EC pills, including Next Choice One-Step and My Way, can be purchased without a valid prescription, while others like Plan B require one. Prices can range between more or less than regular birth control depending on which brand is chosen; remember, though, some women with thin frames might experience side effects like nausea, fatigue or headaches from certain EC types – these should usually be minor and rarely cause health concerns.
Minipills
Minipills are hormone-free birth control pills without estrogen that work by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus, thus preventing sperm from entering and an embryo from implanting in the womb. When taken as prescribed, Minipills have an 87% effectiveness rate; especially helpful for individuals who experience difficulty taking estrogen-containing pills such as high blood pressure or history of deep vein thrombosis; although their effectiveness can cause irregular bleeding over the first several months ( spotting or no period at all).
Progestin-only pills such as norethindrone and drospirenone can be taken at any point during your menstrual cycle, providing backup contraception is in place for two days prior to taking these medications. They may not be as effective than combination pills because they do not prevent ovulation as effectively, meaning up to 40% of women still ovulate during gestation, raising risks. If this concerns you, consult your health care provider about alternate hormonal birth control methods available to you.
