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Birth Control Pill Types

Birth control pills prevent pregnancy primarily by preventing ovulation. They may also decrease the likelihood of conception by altering the uterine lining and cervical mucus. Birth control pills contain the synthetic female hormones estrogen and progestin, although the amount varies with different types and brands of pills.

  1. Monophasic Pills

    • Monophasic birth control pills provide a steady amount of estrogen and progestin throughout the month. This type of pill may prevent problems, such as mood changes caused by fluctuating hormone levels, according to Drugs.com. Like other combination oral contraceptives, monophasic pills are effective more than 99 percent of the time if used correctly, according to Planned Parenthood.

    Multiphasic Pills

    • Multiphasic birth control pills were developed in the 1980s in an effort to reduce the side effects that women experienced with monophasic pills. Multiphasic pills attempt to mimic a woman's natural cycle by providing different levels of estrogen and progestin throughout the month. Biphasic pills have two different hormone levels in each pack, and triphasic pills provide three different levels of hormones throughout the month. They are also more than 99 percent effective with proper use.

    Mini-Pill

    • The mini-pill contains progestin only, which is why is also called the progestin-only pill. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, the mini-pill works by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, and it sometimes prevents ovulation. The mini-pill is a common choice for breastfeeding mothers, and it is also an option for women who have a high risk of experiencing complications from estrogen. Women who take the mini-pill must take it at the same time each day for it to be effective, and a backup method must be used if it is taken more than three hours late.

    Extended-cycle Pills

    • Extended-cycle birth control pills allow women to take active pills for three months at a time. This makes it possible for women to have as little as four periods per year, and extended-cycle pills may also cause shorter, lighter periods. According to Drugs.com, women taking an extended-cycle pill may experience irregular bleeding for the first few months, but this usually subsides.

    Warning

    • Although rare, serious side effects do sometimes occur with oral contraceptive use. Talk to your doctor about the risks, especially if you are over 35, a smoker, have a blood-clotting disorder or any other health problems. Tell your doctor about any medications that you take, as some drugs can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

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