There are various methods of family planning among them is the use of birth control pills. Pills come in numerous brands and it is advisable to seek gynaecologist or medical advice before deciding which one to use. Most of these pills are hormonal. Some are combined meaning they have both oestrogen and progesterone hormones which interfere with the menstrual circle hence preventing fertilization from taking place.
The following are some ten of the most effective contraceptive pills you will most likely find in Kenya;
- Diane
Also known as Diane-35ED tablets, it has both oestrogen and progesterone hormones. It works similarly to the combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill) and therefore, it is not advisable to use it with any other hormonal contraceptive. Ladies using this tablet are supposed to start taking the Diane-35 ED the day after they finish another package. If one is starting to use, she should take it on day one of her menstrual period and every day until the packet is complete. Go for another packet of Diane and ask your pharmacist if you are not sure about something. The benefits of using this pill include more regular and lighter periods, decreased pain during periods and reduced greasiness in skin and hair.
- Logynon
Logynon is a combined contraceptive pill taken to prevent pregnancy. It comes in strips of 21 pills marked in different colours-6 light brown,5 white and 10 ochre coloured tablets. The different colours represent different days of the week and are indicated in the packet. In your circle if using Logynon, you will have 7 free days where you are not supposed to take any pill. Before you decide on using this pill, it is always advisable to visit you doctor for consultations.
- Marvelon
It is a low dose combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy.it is administered every day for 28 days, taking each pill correctly for the specific day of the week as indicated. It prevents pregnancy by stopping egg maturity, changing the cervical mucus consistency preventing sperms from reaching the egg and changing the uterus lining making it unsuitable for implantation. Also called Marvelon 28, it is only available with doctor’s prescriptions
- Mercilon
Mercilon is also a combined oral pill which is taken every day for 21 days. There are 7 free days if you use this. The pill thickens the mucus in the cervix making it difficult for the sperms from entering the womb. It does not interfere with sex and is the most reliable reversible method of contraception if used correctly. However, just as the other pills, Mercilon needs to be taken only after doctor’s prescriptions.
- Microgynon
It is also known as Microgynon 30, combined oral pill intended to stop you from getting pregnant. Take the pill the same time everyday correctly as indicated by the arrows in the package.it works best if you take it the first day of your menstrual period.it prevents pregnancy by overriding your normal circle, deceiving the body that ovulation has already taken place thus preventing the egg from being released from the ovaries every month. However, make sure you visit a doctor before using the pill.
- Microlut
Microlut is a mini pill which has only one type of hormone-progestorone.it is taken in sequence that is a pill every day without taking a break as indicated by the arrows in the packet. One may need a back -up method(non -hormonal) for example a condom if you practice sex more often.As usual all medicines have benefits and side effects, make sure to see a doctor before using Microlut.
- Microval
The dose has 28 biconvex white coated tablets to be taken one pill every day for the 28 days. There should not be any interruption in the sequence to maximise effectiveness. It contains progesterone hormone and is suitable for women who cannot take pills containing oestrogen hormone. Like we have said, seek medical advice before taking any medicine.
- Nordette
Nordette is a contraceptive pill that has two hormones; levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol which helps to prevent pregnancy if administered correctly.it must be taken every day irrespective of how one practice sex. If you were on a different method and want to start on nordette for the first time, on the first day of your menstrual bleed, take a white tablet that matches the day of the week from the green shaded section of the blister pack. You must also use a back- up non-hormonal method of contraception (such as condoms) until a white tablet has been taken daily for 7 days without a break Then take one white tablet each day, following the arrows so that you are taking the correct tablet for the day of the week until all 21 white tablets have gone. Thereafter, take one red tablet each day for the next 7 days. You will have a ‘withdrawal’ bleed, similar to having a period, during the week of red tablets. As usual, make a point of visiting a doctor before using nordette pill as well.
- Trinordial
Trinordial pill is a combined contraceptive pill which has two hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It is a triphasic pill meaning that there are three levels of hormones in the packet to reflect the changing levels of hormones in your body during the menstrual circle. The pill is an effective reversible method of contraception if taken correctly for the 21 days. Doctor’s prescription is highly recommended before use.
- Mirena
Mirena is hormone releasing intrauterine device (IUD) pill which is inserted in the uterus through the vagina. It is an effective pill if positioned correctly. If inserted seven days after the start of your menstrual periods, it is advisable to us a back-up non hormonal method of contraception, such as a condom, for about one week. Mirena is inserted by a doctor after medical check-up.
The above contraceptive pills are effective depending on the medical suitability for different women. If by any chance one misses a pill for a day or two during the sequence, they should not continue taking the pills before seeking the doctor’s advice because that could mean they are pregnant or have put the effectiveness of the pill at stake. These pills however do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and other diseases thus women are advised to exercise caution and seek medical assistance at all times before using any pill or even while using it.
