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Contraception

Hormonal contraception lets women control if and when they become pregnant. Combined oral contraceptives and progestogen-only pills are among the most widely used contraceptive methods, and access to reliable family planning medicines is a routine health priority.

Plan B

Levonorgestrel

1.5mg

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets for emergency contraception, a single progestogen dose that delays or holds back ovulation.

From$9.70/ tabletView

Yasmin

Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol

3/0.03mg

Drospirenone with ethinylestradiol as a film-coated tablet, a combined oral contraceptive also listed for acne vulgaris. Gonadotropins are suppressed.

From$1.33/ tabletView

Ovral

Ethinylestradiol, Norgestrel

0.15/0.03 · 0.5/0.05mg

Ethinylestradiol with norgestrel tablets, a combined oral contraceptive in two strengths. Ovulation is inhibited and the cervical mucus altered.

From$0.34/ tabletView

Alesse

Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol

0.15/0.03 · 0.25/0.05mg

Levonorgestrel with ethinylestradiol tablets, a combined oral contraceptive taken by mouth. The hormone pair suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.

From$0.83/ tabletView

Levlen

Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel

0.03/0.15mg

Ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel tablets, a combined oral contraceptive. Negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis holds ovulation back.

From$0.53/ tabletView

Femilon

Ethinylestradiol, Desogestrel

0.15/0.02mg

Femilon is ethinylestradiol with desogestrel in a low-dose combined tablet for contraception, holding back the release of an egg from the ovary.

From$1.21/ tabletView

Novelon

Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol

0.15/0.3mg

Novelon is desogestrel with ethinylestradiol in a fixed-dose combined tablet for contraception, suppressing the release of gonadotropins.

From$0.92/ tabletView

Mircette

Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol

0.15/0.02mg

Desogestrel with ethinylestradiol tablets for contraception, a combined pill acting through ovulation inhibition and a thicker cervical barrier.

From$1.14/ tabletView

Desogen

Desogestrel, Ethinylestradiol

0.15/30mg/mcg

Desogestrel with ethinylestradiol film-coated tablets, a combined oral contraceptive. The pair suppresses ovulation and alters the cervical mucus.

From$0.93/ tabletView

Key points

  • An oestrogen and a progestogen work together in the combined pill, blocking ovulation and altering cervical mucus and womb lining.
  • The progestogen-only pill relies on a single hormone, suiting those unable to tolerate oestrogen-containing options.
  • Newer progestogens such as desogestrel and drospirenone are linked to less breakthrough bleeding for some women than levonorgestrel.

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 (the “mini-pill”) rely on a single hormone, making them suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen.

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. See the women’s health category for a full list of available tablets. If you experience severe headaches, visual changes, chest pain, or leg swelling while using any hormonal method, seek medical attention promptly.

Further reading