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Contraception

Contraception is the use of a method to prevent pregnancy, with options differing in effectiveness, duration, user effort, hormones and reversibility.

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

  • Long-acting reversible methods are highly effective because they do not depend on daily use, but preference and tolerability still matter.
  • Oestrogen-containing methods are unsuitable with some clot, migraine, smoking and cardiovascular risks.
  • Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also directly reduces transmission of many sexually transmitted infections.

The listings below are not suitable for every person; pregnancy possibility, medical history, interactions and reproductive goals need review.

Comparing methods

Pills, patch and ring require regular user action. Injection, implant and intrauterine methods last longer and have different bleeding patterns. Progestogen-only methods avoid oestrogen but still have individual contraindications and adverse effects. Fertility generally returns after stopping, though timing varies by method.

Safe selection and follow-up

Assessment covers blood pressure, migraine aura, clot history, smoking, breastfeeding and medicines that induce liver enzymes. Effectiveness can fall with missed doses, vomiting or interactions. New troublesome bleeding, mood symptoms or headaches should prompt review rather than unplanned discontinuation without backup contraception.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, a painful swollen leg, sudden severe headache or neurological symptoms, or severe pelvic pain with possible pregnancy.

Further reading