Birth Control – Medication Overview

With Patricia (Nurse Pattye) Anderson, FNP bc, you can request a birth control prescription online and get the birth control medications you need conveniently and affordably.

Birth Control Prescription Options

Some birth control medications are available in a tablet, or pill, form while others are available in the form of a birth control ring that releases hormones when inserted into the vagina. Frequently, the choice of the form of the birth control medication is related to one’s personal preference in consultation with one’s medical provider. Common birth control medications in use are Yasmin, Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo, NuvaRing, Errin, Lo Loestrin Fe and Sprintec. Lo Loestrin Fe and Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo as well as Junel Fe are available in tablet forms. The NuvaRing is, as the name suggests, a birth control ring.

Birth Control Pills – Combination Medications

Yasmin and Yaz are combination oral contraceptives that consist of tablets containing two hormones – drospirenone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Ortho-Tri Cyclen and Estarylla are combination oral contraceptives that consist of tablets containing norgestimate, a progesterone, and ethinyl estradiol. Other brand versions of combination medications include Seasonique and Taytulla. And so, the estrogen used in the birth control medication is sometimes the same while the form of progestin and progesterone is different between brands.

Birth Control Pills – Sprintec vs Errin

Sprintec is also a combination oral contraceptive containing a progestin and an estrogen. Errin contains norethindrone, a progestin medication. In considering Errin vs. Sprintec, Errin contains only a single progestin hormone.

Birth Control Ring

The NuvaRing differs from many other medications in that it is a ring inserted into the vagina as opposed to a birth control tablet.

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a transdermal patch that delivers hormones over a period of time.

Female Condom

The female condom is a condom that a woman can insert prior to sexual activity that reduces the likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy.

Birth Control – Pills & Ring Effectiveness

When used properly, most birth control medications are quite effective. However, while birth control medications can help women prevent pregnancy, they do not work in every person. Additionally, the effects of any birth control ring or pills will usually reverse if one stops using the medication.

Birth Control Medications – Side Effects

All birth control medications can cause side effects. Side effects of birth control pills and medications include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, breast tenderness and abnormal bleeding. Some birth control medications like the ring can increase the risk of clots, particularly in smokers, and lead to a fatal heart attack, blood clot or stroke.

While safe in many people, all birth control medications can also cause an allergic reaction. Many side effects will go away once the birth control medication is discontinued. Any questions about birth control medications and potential side effects should be discussed with one’s medical provider and a licensed pharmacist.