Despite the availability of a number of contraceptive methods like condoms, implants, birth control shots, intrauterine devices in the market, oral contraceptive pills continue being considered to be the easiest and safest method for women. Beyond just pregnancy prevention, their benefits extend to regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing hormonal acne, making periods less painful, helping with cramps, PMS and anaemia, etc.
So what are these birth control pills and how do they help?
Firstly, these pills contain synthetically structured hormones (oestrogen and progesterone or both) which prevent fertilization of the egg by preventing ovulation. The hormones in the pills disrupt the natural hormones in the body and prevent the release of the egg, thus preventing pregnancy.
During the fertilisation process, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) is released which encourages the maturation of the egg. The pills prevent the excretion of these two hormones.
Here is a curated list of homegrown Indian brands of contraceptive pills :
I. Saheli
It is the world’s only non-hormonal birth control pills. These are non-steroidal (class of analgesic medication that reduces pain, fever and inflammation) and have no negative effects. They contain 30 mg of ormeloxifene and are said to be free from steroids and hormones. They also have a presence of Centchroman, which means no side effects such as vomiting, nausea and weight gain.
Dosage of one pill a week is suggested.
Price: Rs. 250 (a pack of 80 pills)
II. Unwanted 21
These tablets are progestins based pills with levonorgestrel (progesterone) and Ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) being the major ingredients. The combination of these 2 hormones makes Unwanted 21 a very safe contraceptive.
Price: Rs. 60 (a pack of 21 pills)
III. Suvida
Apart from pregnancy prevention, these pills help to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce anaemia, prevent ovarian cyst formation and decrease the chances of developing fibroids, prevents inflammation of the endometrium etc.
Price: Rs. 35 (a pack of 28 pills)
IV.Bandhan
With the presence of major ingredients like levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol as well as estrogen and progestin hormones, it restores the hormone levels and prevents the inhibition of egg to the uterus.
Price: Rs. 21 (a pack of 10 pills)
V. Centron
It is a medication which acts on the estrogen receptor in the body to avoid pregnancy. It is a non-hormonal, non-steroidal pill with minimal or no side effects. Ormeloxifene is the active ingredient in this pill. The pill also claims to treat uterine bleeding dysfunction. However, it should not be taken if you have PCOS, cervical hyperplasia, the recent history of jaundice or hepatic impairment, severe allergic states, and TB amongst others.
Price: Rs. 40 (a pack of 10 pills)
VI. Yasmin
This pill contains Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol. It helps to balance the estrogen levels. It is also useful in the treatment of ovarian cysts and uneven menstrual cycles.
Price: Rs. 434 (a pack of 21 pills)
We urge you to remember that contraceptive pills are not abortion pills. They can only prevent pregnancy and not terminate it. The choice for a particular contraceptive pill depends on age, medical history, current health etc, and despite all the claims they do have side effects on women’s bodies, therefore make sure to consult a gynaecologist before taking any pill.
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