Contraceptive pills are an effective method of preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. They are available in combined (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only formulations to suit different health needs. They may also help regulate the menstrual cycle and manage certain menstrual symptoms, depending on the formulation. Contraceptives aren't one-size-fits-all: they come in several types, including pills and patches. The best form depends on a person’s medical history, lifestyle, and professional medical advice. A hormonal contraceptive helps prevent pregnancy, not protect against sexually transmitted infections. myAster offers a wide range of regular contraceptive pills, contraceptive patch and emergency contraception from top brands including Yasmin, Yaz, Cerazette, Gynera, Evra and Ez-One.
Combined contraceptive pills: These are daily hormonal pills that contain oestrogen and progestogen and prevent pregnancy with over 99% effectiveness when taken correctly. You can find brands like Yasmin, Yaz, and Gynera on myAster.
Progestogen-only contraceptive pills: They have only progestin and prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, altering the uterine lining, and sometimes suppressing ovulation. myAster has popular brands like Cerazette for progestogen-only contraceptive pills.
Contraceptive patches: These are hormone-based birth control patches which are worn on the skin that prevent pregnancy by delivering oestrogen and progestin. You can find brands like Evra transdermal patches on myAster that can be worn on the skin and changed weekly.
Emergency contraception: Popular brands like Ez-One 1.5 mg tablets delay or prevent ovulation, fertilization, or work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
These options differ in hormone composition, how often they're used, suiting preference, and overall purpose. None of them is universally "better" and suitability comes down to individual health factors and professional guidance.
Both pills and patches are hormonal methods designed for ongoing pregnancy prevention. But they work on different schedules:
Pills: Typically taken daily, according to a specific routine, and may suit people who are comfortable and consistent with taking a daily tablet at roughly the same time each day.
Patch: Changed weekly according to a prescribed schedule, usually worn for three weeks with a patch-free week. It might be considered by those who find a daily pill harder to remember, since it only needs to change once a week.
Neither method is inherently better. The right choice depends on your lifestyle and health profile. What matters is which one fits your lifestyle and health profile, and that decision is best made with your doctor. Whichever method you choose, follow the exact schedule provided in the patient information leaflet or by your doctor rather than general advice found online.
Regular contraceptive pills and patches are designed for continuous, ongoing pregnancy prevention when used consistently as directed. Emergency contraception is a backup option used after unprotected sex or when a regular method fails, such as a missed pill, a slipped condom, or a patch that's come loose. It is not designed to replace a regular contraceptive method.
Timing matters enormously with emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel-based emergency pills are generally most effective the sooner they're taken - within 3 days (72 hours) after sex. However, some formulations like ulipristal can be effective for longer. Because effectiveness declines the longer you wait, speak to a doctor or pharmacist promptly if you think you need emergency contraception, rather than delaying.
There's no single universal rule here; what you should do depends on the specific product, how many doses you've missed, and where you are in your treatment cycle. Combined pills, progestogen-only pills and patches each have different guidance for missed or delayed doses. Always check the patient information leaflet that comes with your specific product rather than following a general rule you've read for a different contraceptive. If you're unsure whether you need backup contraception or emergency contraception after a missed dose, a quick call with a myAster doctor or pharmacist can help.
Hormonal contraceptives can cause side effects - nausea, headaches, breast tenderness or changes in menstrual bleeding patterns in some women. Some symptoms need urgent medical attention rather than a wait-and-see approach. Consult a doctor immediately if you have:
These are rare but any type of hormonal contraception should always be selected and monitored with appropriate healthcare guidance rather than self-selected based on convenience alone.
From daily pills like Yasmin, Yaz, Gynera and Cerazette to the weekly Evra patch and Ez-One emergency contraception, myAster brings together a wide range of family planning across the UAE. You can easily compare products based on your method, usage schedule, and your doctor's recommendation.
A. Prescription requirements vary by product. Check the specific listing for each item, as some contraceptives may require a valid prescription or pharmacist consultation.
A. The right choice depends on your health history, lifestyle and how consistently you can follow a daily or weekly schedule. Speak to your doctor for personalised guidance.
A. This depends on the specific product and when in your cycle you start using it. Always follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet.
A. The correct action depends on the product and how many doses were missed. Check your patient leaflet or consult a pharmacist for guidance.
A. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible. Levonorgestrel-based options are generally recommended within 72 hours, though effectiveness declines over time.
A. Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness and changes in menstrual bleeding are commonly reported. These often settle within a few months but should be discussed with a doctor if persistent.
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