Birth control pills are the most popular method of contraception in Nigeria and around the world, but with so many options to choose from, choosing the right pill can be difficult.
Many approved birth control pills are safe and effective in preventing pregnancy, but it’s important to learn how they differ so you can pick one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
This article explains how each of these birth control pills works and lists the risks associated with each one. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any birth control pill to ensure that it’s right for you!
Types of contraceptive pill
The progestogen-only pill (mini pill) and the combination pill are the two types of contraceptive pills we provide.
While both tablets are effective in preventing pregnancy when used appropriately, the two forms have distinct benefits and considerations.
1. Combined pill
The combined oral pill is a daily pill that includes two hormones, progestin and oestrogen, to prevent pregnancy.
2. Mini pill
The mini pill (progestin-only pill) is a daily pill that contains only one hormone, progestin, to prevent pregnancy.
Read Also:Â SIDE EFFECTS OF POSTINOR-2 ON MENSTRUATION, OVULATION AND FERTILITY
10 Birth Control Pills in Nigeria
A combination of birth control pills is made from progestin and estrogen, both of which are female hormones.
These hormones create synthetic forms that mimic natural female hormones and inhibit ovulation from preventing pregnancy.
When they’re taken properly, you can count on birth control pills to be extremely effective. The most common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, and headache. below are 10 common and approved birth control brands.
1. Postinor 2
This pill is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or missed birth control pills.
It’s not meant for routine birth control and should be used only if you don’t have access to other methods of birth control.
It can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Make sure you take it within 72 hours, however—and with no more than two pills per day.
Most women will start their period 12-16 days after taking Postinor 2, but it can start as early as eight days later or as late as 25 days later.
2. Dinofem
Is a combination of monophasic combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. It works by preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs and thins your womb lining, making it harder for sperm to reach any eggs that may have been released.
Dinofem is a 3-phase pill with each phase lasting one week (21 days). While you take Dinofem, you’ll get menstrual periods every month which are usually lighter than usual. If you don’t get a period, check with your doctor because there could be a problem.
Your doctor will advise you to make sure your pregnancy test is negative before starting another pack of birth control pills since prolonged use can cause no periods or periods more often than every three months.
3. Levofem
The Mifegyne pill brand is popularly known as Levofem and contains a combination of levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol.
Mifegyne is a hormonal contraceptive that works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).
It also thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to move through and preventing implantation.
This medicine can be used alone or together with condoms, diaphragms or sponges to protect against pregnancy.
Levofem may also be used for purposes not listed in the medication guide. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, precautions, and possible side effects, along with information on storage and disposal.
4. Microgynon
A brand of pills containing two hormones; levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. This drug is one of many available in pharmacies around the world.
Microgynon is a combined contraceptive pill that protects against pregnancy and can be used to regulate irregular periods.
They are also known as The Pill, a colloquial term for birth control pills that became widespread during its promotion by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ACP).
The idea behind ACP was to educate as many people as possible about contraception—especially women—since they were still, at that time, illegal to promote or advertise. It wasn’t until 1960 that birth control became legal for married couples in Great Britain.
5. Logynon
The most popular birth control pill among women. It’s made up of Ethinyl Estradiol (which stops ovulation) and Norgestimate (which thins out cervical mucus). It also has a low estrogen level, meaning it won’t increase your chances of blood clots.
This makes it perfect for women who smoke or are at risk for blood clots. Even though Logynon is as effective as many other pills, some studies show that its effectiveness slightly decreases with age—so if you're over 35, you might want to choose another option.
To use Logynon correctly, remember to take one pill every day at about the same time; skip your dose only if your next scheduled pill is less than 12 hours away.
6. Yasmin
This is a third-generation birth control pill containing ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms) and drospirenone (3 mg). Yasmin can be taken every day, with or without food. Yasmin may decrease menstrual flow and help stop premenstrual water retention.
The hormone combination found in Yasmin is designed to also cause changes to cervical mucus that could block sperm from reaching an egg. Studies have shown that a daily dose of Yasmin can lower your chances of getting pregnant by more than 99%.
With typical use, it's about 92%. You should know that fertility returns once you stop taking it. Keep these risks in mind when considering birth control pills as your contraceptive method.
7. Lo-Fermenal
This drug is only available from registered medical practitioners, who issue patient cards to ensure that only individuals with a valid prescription can access it. This pill contains 2 active ingredients, ethinylestradiol, and gestodene.
It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during a woman’s menstrual cycle), which stops an egg from being released for fertilization. If no egg is released, a pregnancy cannot occur. When taken correctly, it has a 99% effectiveness rate at preventing pregnancy when used without other contraception methods.
Another way Lo-Fermenal prevents pregnancy is by thickening your cervical mucus; sperm cannot enter your uterus if there isn’t enough mucus present, so they simply die off before they get anywhere near your eggs.
8. Nordette
One of our favorite options. Nordette’s hormone content is a little different than most pills, which means it only needs to be taken once a day (rather than twice).
It also has higher concentrations of both estrogen and progestin, so it could have stronger side effects for some women. Overall, though, it’s a good option for most people.
Plus, if you're concerned about weight gain, you'll be happy to know that lower-dose versions are available with less risk of added pounds.
9. Marvelon
This pill is derived from both estrogen and progestin (like all other combined oral contraceptives) but contains 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 2 mg of norethisterone. Marvelon is one of the most popular contraceptive pills worldwide.
The average length of use for birth control pills is 9 months, but there are indications that users may be satisfied with its use for up to 12 months or longer.
In Nigeria, Dr. Kenneth Obotetukudo was able to evaluate patients' satisfaction with oral contraceptives for up to 36 months.
Approximately 95% of women who used Marvelon over 36 months were still satisfied with their product after three years, versus only 67% dissatisfaction among women who had stopped using it earlier.
10. Normovla
is a drug containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. It is used as an effective form of birth control. It works by preventing ovulation, and thus pregnancy. Unlike combined oral contraceptives, it does not contain estrogen.
The pill's effects are more constant than those of other contraceptive pills, causing some women to experience spotting between periods. Since it does not affect menstruation, it is safe for women who have already had a period and do not wish to have another one for a while (for example, nursing mothers).
It is also safe for use during lactation without affecting milk production or quantity or quality. The pill may be taken any time of day (including with meals) but should be taken at around the same time every day.
Read Also:Â Effects Of Postinor-2 On The Womb You Should Know
How do birth control pills work
The pill is a small tablet that is taken orally, once daily, to prevent pregnancy. Most birth control pills are 'combination' pills that contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin.
Combined oral contraceptives have been in use for over 40 years and now more than 10 million women use them worldwide. The pill works primarily by preventing ovulation (release of an egg from an ovary).
However, it also thickens cervical mucus thus inhibiting sperm penetration into the uterus, and may also alter tubal transport of sperm and/or ova (eggs) thus impairing fertilization; and it alters the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) to make it less receptive to implantation of a fertilized egg.
Don't know which method is best for you?
Check out Choice, our online contraceptive tool. The website employs a short questionnaire to offer you straightforward, personalized contraceptive recommendations.
Who can use it?
A pill is an effective form of birth control for women who can take it consistently. The pill doesn’t protect against STDs and pregnancy, so using a condom when you have sex with your partner(s) is still important.
Also, some medications—such as antibiotics, HIV meds, and high blood pressure pills—can make it harder to get pregnant or stay pregnant once you do. If you’re taking any of these drugs or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other birth control options.
How much do birth control pills cost in Nigeria?
Postinor 2 cost #1,000 - #2,000 naira per packet depending on your location.
Read Also:Â Different Types Of Birth Control Pills Available In Singapore
Where to get it?
Getting birth control pills can be a difficult process, especially if you’re in Nigeria. We all know how hard it is to get anything done on time here and many people find it easier to just have a baby than try getting their birth control pills on time.
Luckily, we have done all of your research for you and found 10 birth control pills that are available in Nigeria right now! Hopefully, now you will stop procrastinating and get your long-term contraception ASAP. Now, let’s see what we have here...
List of all birth control pills
| MONOPHASIC PRODUCTS | ||
| BRAND NAME(S) | ESTROGEN | PROGESTIN |
| Alesse-28 | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Apri | ethinyl estradiol | desogestrel |
| Aviane | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Brevicon | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Demulen 1/35-21 Demulen 1/35-28 Demulen 1/50-21 Demulen 1/50-28 |
ethinyl estradiol | ethynodiol diacetate |
| Desogen | ethinyl estradiol | desogestrel |
| Genora 1/35 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Genora 1/50 | mestranol | norethindrone |
| Levlite 28 | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Levlen 21 Levlen 28 |
ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Levora 0.15/30-21 Levora 0.15/30-28 |
ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Loestrin 21 1/20 Loestrin 21 1.5/30 Loestrin FE 1/20 Loestrin FE 1.5/30 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone acetate |
| Lo-Ovral 28 Ovral 28 |
ethinyl estradiol | norgestrel |
| Low-Ogestrel 28 Ogestrel 0.5/50-28 |
ethinyl estradiol | norgestrel |
| Microgestin 1/20 Microgestin 1.5/30 Microgestin FE 1/20 Microgestin FE 1/5/30 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone acetate |
| Modicon | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Necon 0.5/35-21 Necon 0.5/35-28 Necon 1/50-21 Necon 1/50-28 Necon 1/35-21 Necon 1/35-28 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Nordette 28 | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Norinyl 1/50 | mestranol | norethindrone |
| Norinyl 1/35 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Nortrel 0.5/35 Nortrel 1/35 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Ortho-Cept | ethinyl estradiol | desogestrel |
| Ortho-Novum 1/35 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Ortho-Novum 1/50 | mestranol | norethindrone |
| Ortho-Cyclen | ethinyl estradiol | norgestimate |
| Ovcon 50 Ovcon 35 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Tri-Norinyl 28 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Yasmin 28 | ethinyl estradiol | drospirenone |
| Zovia 1/50E Zovia 1/35E |
ethinyl estradiol | ethynodiol diacetate |
| BIPHASIC PRODUCTS | ||
| BRAND NAME(S) | ESTROGEN | PROGESTIN |
| Jenest 28 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Mircette | ethinyl estradiol | desogestrel |
| Necon 10/11-21 Necon 10/11-28 |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Ortho-Novum 10/11 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| TRIPHASIC PRODUCTS | ||
| BRAND NAME(S) | ESTROGEN | PROGESTIN |
| Estrostep 21 Estrostep FE |
ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO |
ethinyl estradiol | norgestimate |
| Tri-Levlen 21 Tri-Levlen 28 |
ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Tri-Norinyl 28 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone |
| Triphasil 28 | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Trivora 28 | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| 24-4 PREPARATIONS (24 days of hormone pills and 4 days of placebo pills) | ||
| Yaz | ethinyl estradiol | drospirenone |
| Lo Estrin 24-4 | ethinyl estradiol | norethindrone acetate |
| EXTENDED-CYCLE PREPARATIONS | ||
| Seasonale | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| Seasonique | ethinyl estradiol | levonorgestrel |
| PROGESTIN-ONLY PRODUCTS | ||
| BRAND NAME(S) | ESTROGEN | PROGESTIN |
| Micronor | norethindrone | |
| Nor-QD | norethindrone | |
| Ovrette | norgestrel | |
