Contraception
10 medicines
Hormonal contraception lets women control if and when they become pregnant, using combined oestrogen-progestogen pills or progestogen-only pills to prevent ovulation.
Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets
Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol
0.15/30mg/mcg
Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets is a womens health medication containing Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol, available as 0.15/30mg/mcg tablets.
Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets
Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol
3/0.03mg
Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets is a womens health medication containing Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol, available as 3/0.03mg tablets.
Key facts
- Hormonal contraception lets women control if and when they become pregnant, most commonly through combined oral contraceptives or progestogen-only pills.
- Combined pills pair an oestrogen, usually ethinylestradiol, with a progestogen such as desogestrel, levonorgestrel, drospirenone, or norgestrel; together they suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining.
- Progestogen-only pills (the "mini-pill") rely on a single hormone, making them suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen.
- Seek medical attention promptly for severe headaches, visual changes, chest pain, or leg swelling while using any hormonal method.
How hormonal pills prevent pregnancy
Combined pills pair an oestrogen, usually ethinylestradiol, with a progestogen such as desogestrel, levonorgestrel, drospirenone, or norgestrel. Together they suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Progestogen-only pills rely on a single hormone instead, which makes them suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen for medical reasons.
Choosing the right option
The progestogen used affects tolerability and side-effect profile. Older progestogens like levonorgestrel have a long track record; newer ones such as drospirenone and desogestrel are associated with lower rates of breakthrough bleeding for some women. The women's health category has a full list of the tablets available.
Taking the pill correctly
Combined pills work best taken at roughly the same time each day, with a short pill-free or placebo interval built into most packs. Progestogen-only pills need stricter timing, since a delay of even a few hours can reduce protection, so checking the specific instructions for your brand matters. Missing pills, vomiting shortly after taking one, or certain medicines such as some antibiotics and anticonvulsants can all lower effectiveness, so it is worth asking a pharmacist about interactions before starting any new medicine.
When to see a doctor
If you experience severe headaches, visual changes, chest pain, or leg swelling while using any hormonal method, seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms can signal a rare but serious clotting problem and need prompt review.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.