Ingredients and Characteristics of Birth Control Pills:
Birth control pills primarily contain two main hormones: Estrogen and Progestin. Each type differs in the specific progestin and the dosage of estrogen.
1. Gestodene + Ethinyl Estradiol Combination
- Meliane: Gestodene 0.075mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
- Myviora: Gestodene 0.075mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03mg
- Senslibe: Gestodene 0.075mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
- Dearmee: Gestodene 0.075mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
- Dearmee Soon: Gestodene 0.06mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.015mg
Characteristics: Gestodene is a third-generation progestin that helps reduce acne and has a lower risk of weight gain. The low dosage of Ethinyl Estradiol (0.015~0.03mg) reduces side effects such as nausea, headaches, and weight changes, although it may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding for some users.
2. Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol Combination
- Alesse: Levonorgestrel 0.1mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.2mg
Characteristics: Levonorgestrel is a second-generation progestin that may cause weight gain and water retention but has a lower risk of blood clot formation compared to other progestins.
3. Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol Combination
- Sensday: Desogestrel 0.15mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
- Mercilon: Desogestrel 0.15mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
Characteristics: Desogestrel helps reduce acne and has less effect on weight changes but may increase the risk of blood clots.
Choosing the Right Birth Control
- Body Type and Side Effects: If reducing acne and maintaining weight are priorities, birth control pills with third-generation progestins like Gestodene or Desogestrel may be best.
- Blood Clot Risk: If you have a higher risk of blood clots or a family history, a birth control pill with second-generation progestin like Levonorgestrel may be preferable.
- Estrogen Levels: Low-dose estrogen (0.015~0.02mg) can reduce side effects but may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding, so consider your body’s needs.
Dosage Instructions
Birth control pills should be taken at the same time each day. Most regimens consist of 21 days of active pills followed by a 7-day break, or a continuous 28-day cycle.
- 21-Day Regimen: Take the active pills for 21 consecutive days, then stop for 7 days. A withdrawal bleed will occur during the break.
- 28-Day Continuous Regimen: The last 7 days are placebo pills, and you continue without interruption.
If You Miss a Pill
- 1 Missed Day: Take the missed pill as soon as possible, then continue your regular pills at the usual time. You may take both pills the same day without affecting effectiveness.
- 2 Missed Days: Take the missed pill as soon as possible and continue with your regular pills. Use additional contraception for the next 7 days.
- More than 3 Missed Days: Start a new pack and use additional contraception for at least 7 days.