Birth Control Pills
One of the most widely used and well-studied contraceptives, the daily pill is known for its reliability and accessibility. It’s a flexible option used by people for both birth control and menstrual cycle management.
Birth control pills are oral contraceptives taken daily to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which work by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent fertilization.
In addition to contraception, birth control pills can also help regulate periods, reduce menstrual cramps, and manage hormonal imbalances.
The following brands of birth control pills are available at elife:
- Triqular: Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol
- Ange: Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol
- Favoir: Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol
- Marvelon: Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), birth control pills are about 99.7% effective with perfect use, meaning they are taken correctly at the same time every day without missing a dose.
However, with typical use, which includes occasional missed pills or inconsistent timing, the effectiveness is approximately 91%.
Source:
CDC. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep 2010;59(RR-4):1–86.
- Healthy women who want reliable contraception.
- Women 18 and above, and of reproductive age.
- Not for women who are already pregnant, as it will not terminate a pregnancy.
We cannot prescribe if you have any of the following:
- Age 40 years or older
- BMI of 35 or higher
- Are 35 or older and smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day (including e‑cigarettes)
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Have given birth within the past month
- Have high blood pressure (systolic ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg)
- Have had major surgery within the past 2 weeks or have surgery scheduled within the next 4 weeks
Key features
Proven effectiveness in preventing pregnancy
At a proven 99.7%1 effective rate, the pill is one of the most reliable ways to prevent pregnancy when taken as directed. (91% effective with typical use.)
Non-invasive and reversible
Unlike IUDs, implants, or surgical methods, OC pills are non-invasive and is easily reversible if you wish to conceive or switch methods.
For pregnancy prevention and more
The pill also helps make periods more regular, reduce heavy bleeding and cramps, and ease hormonal symptoms like acne and PMS.
Available options
Monophasic pill with 30mcg estrogen, 28-day cycle with phased, color-coded tablets.
Monophasic pill with 30mcg estrogen, 21 active and 7 iron or placebo tablets.
Monophasic pill with 30mcg estrogen, 21 active pills plus 7 placebo tablets.
Triphasic combined pill with varying hormone levels over a 21+7 day cycle.
Precautions
Blood clots can occur with the use of oral contraceptives, even without risk factors such as age, smoking, obesity, or family history.
Stop taking the pill and seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Sudden leg pain or swelling
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe headache, numbness, trouble speaking, or sudden vision changes
- Any sign of a blood clot or increased risk, even if mild
Common side effects
Some people may experience mild side effects, especially in the first 1–2 months.
Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, bloating or slight weight changes, irregular periods (lighter or heavier), spotting between periods.
*Spotting is usually mild and often resolves within 2 months. If it continues beyond 3 months, consult your doctor.
How to take
- The pill should be taken orally everyday with water, at the same hour to maximize effectiveness.
- Use the medication according to the instructions included in the packaging, and follow any additional advice provided by your doctor.
Common side effects
Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, bloating or slight weight changes, irregular periods (lighter or heavier), spotting between periods.
*Spotting is usually mild and often resolves within 2 months. If it continues beyond 3 months, consult your doctor.)
Common side effects
Some people may experience mild side effects, especially in the first 1–2 months.
Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, bloating or slight weight changes, irregular periods (lighter or heavier), spotting between periods.
*Spotting is usually mild and often resolves within 2 months. If it continues beyond 3 months, consult your doctor.
How it works
Book online
Create an account, answer a short medical questionnaire, and talk directly to a counselor, or book an appointment.
Consult a doctor
After a one-on-one counseling session, the doctor will provide an online consultation via smartphone.
Receive your medication
Discreet packaging, delivered the next day right to your doorstep.*
Other treatments
Why choose elife?
Free online consultation
One-on-one consultation with bilingual counselors / doctors
Same-day shipping
Available depending on the time of your order
Fully online process
From consultation to delivery, all on your smartphone
Frequently asked questions
Stop taking the pill. You will have a withdrawal bleed (menstruation) a few days after stopping, and then your period will start again about 2 months later. If your period does not start after waiting for more than 2 months, consult your doctor and seek medical advice.
It has been shown that taking low-dose oral contraceptives does not affect fertility. There are also no reports of decreased fertility in women who have taken low-dose oral contraceptives for a long time.
If you start the pill after the first day of your period, you should use an additional contraceptive method (like condoms) or avoid sex for the first 7 days of taking the pill. This gives the hormones time to become effective.
If you start taking the pill on the first day of your menstrual period, the contraceptive effect begins immediately. If you start on days 2-5, the contraceptive effect starts 7 days after you begin taking the pill. During the pill-free interval, ovulation has usually already occurred, so the risk of pregnancy is minimal. However, to maximize contraceptive protection and prevent sexually transmitted infections, it is recommended to use condoms in conjunction with the birth control pill.
All the pills we offer are low-dose combined oral contraceptives, but they differ in hormone dosing patterns and formulation:
- Ange / Favoir / Marvelon: Monophasic pills — same hormone dose each day during the active pill phase.
- Triquilar: Triphasic pill — hormone levels change in three phases during the cycle.
Functionally, they are all effective, but you may be prescribed one over another depending on your cycle symptoms, previous side effects, or personal preferences. Please consult your doctor to find the most suitable option.
Yes. Many low-dose combined pills can help with acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual-related symptoms by stabilizing hormone levels. Some pills, such as those containing desogestrel are especially known for improving skin and reducing cycle-related mood or physical symptoms.
Low-dose birth control pills are not associated with weight gain. However, some women may experience water retention as a side effect, especially during the initial stages of taking the pill, which can lead to a temporary feeling of weight gain. Additionally, improved appetite may occur as your body adjusts to the medication, potentially causing a slight increase in weight. Generally, maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring your portion sizes can help manage any potential weight fluctuations.
Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, especially for people over 35 years old. If you smoke, it's strongly advised to quit while using the pill for your safety.
If you meet the prescribing criteria, it may be possible to take the birth control pill in combination with other medications. However, be cautious as certain medications, such as St. John's wort, can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill. It's important to be aware that St. John's wort is found not only in supplements for stress relief but also in some dietary supplements.
If you meet the prescribing criteria and there are no underlying health concerns such as blood clots, there is no specific time limit for taking the birth control pill. It is recommended to have regular pap smears, typically every 1-2 years, while taking the pill. Additionally, it's advisable to have a general health checkup every 6-12 months to monitor your overall well-being.