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How to Choose the Right Contraceptive Method

How They Work; Pros and Cons

New Developments

Now available in Canada

LinessA   

A new triphasic oral contraceptive pill containing 25µg of ethinyl estradiol each day combined with desogestrel (100µg daily in week 1, 125µg in week 2, and 150µg in week 3) for a lower total hormone dose.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective.
  • Minimizing the estrogen dose may result in less estrogen-related side effects such as nausea and breast tenderness
Disadvantages:   
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
Available in Canada since June 2006.

 

Tri-Cyclen Lo   

A new triphasic oral contraceptive pill containing 25µg of ethinyl estradiol each day combined with norgestimate (180µg daily in week 1, 215µg in week 2 and 250µg in week 3) for a lower total hormone dose.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective.
  • Minimizing the estrogen dose may result in less estrogen-related side effects such as nausea and breast tenderness.
  • Less initial breakthrough bleeding compared to a 20µg pill.
Disadvantages:   
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
Available in Canada since February 2005.

 

Yasmin   

A new oral contraceptive pill containing drospirenone (3mg per day), a new progestin, combined with 30µg ethinyl estradiol per day. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid activity (equivalent to 25 mg per day of spironolactone) and antiandrogenic effects.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective
  • Some non-contraceptive benefits may include a decreased perception of cyclic weight gain and bloating. Yasmin may also help some physical and emotional PMS symptoms.
  • Improves acne through its androgen-blocking properties (1/3 as potent as cyproterone acetate (Diane 35®))
Disadvantages:   
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Also contraindicated in women with renal or adrenal insufficiency
  • Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
Available in Canada since January 2005.

 

Not yet available in Canada

Lunelle   

A new injectable containing estrogen and progestin. Must be administered once a month in the doctor’s office.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective.
  • May avoid the potential decreased bone density associated with Depo-Provera
Disadvantages:   
  • Delay of fertility may last 2 months.
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Requires monthly injection.
No longer available in USA; not yet available in Canada.

 

Mircette   

A new 20 ug oral contraceptive pill containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. The active ingredient (10 ug ethinyl estradiol) extends into the placebo week with only two pill free days.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective.
  • The extension of active ingredient into the placebo week may potentially decrease the incidence of breakthrough bleeding and the failure rate.
  • Like other 20 ug pills there is less incidence of nausea and breast tenderness.
Disadvantages:   
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Similar side effects as any combined OCP.
Available in USA

 

Seasonale   

A new oral contraceptive pill containing ethinyl estradiol and progestin administered daily for 84 days at a time.

Advantages:   
  • Highly effective.
  • Withdrawal bleeds only 4 times per year.
Disadvantages:   
  • Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
  • Similar side effects to be expected as any combined OCP.
Available in USA

Last Modified: September 5, 2006