In recent times, millions of women worldwide are taking oral contraceptive pills for birth control because

• Oral contraceptive pills are widely used around the world for birth control because they are a modern, effective, and well-tolerated method of contraception.
• They provide temporary and reversible birth control, allowing couples to plan pregnancy when desired.
• In addition to preventing pregnancy, they also offer several other health benefits.

There are generally two types of birth control pills available. One is the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The other is Norgestrel, which contains only a lower dose of progesterone compared to combined pills.

Who is Norgestrel suitable for?

• Breastfeeding mothers
• Women who are sensitive to estrogen
• Older women, especially those with high blood pressure, tendency to gain weight, or a history of varicose veins

Advantages of Norgestrel

• Breastfeeding mothers can use it safely after delivery, as it does not affect the quality or quantity of breast milk
• It can be started 6 weeks after childbirth
• Since it does not contain estrogen, estrogen-related side effects such as nausea, headache, acne, and weight gain are less common
• Suitable for women who cannot tolerate estrogen

Disadvantages of Norgestrel

• Menstrual patterns may change slightly, such as spotting or irregular periods
• Some women may experience mild headache or breast tenderness, though these effects are usually not harmful

Norgestrel helps prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also suppresses ovulation by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary.

One pill should be taken regularly at a particular time.

When Norgestrel can be started?

• A breast feeding woman can start Norgestrel after 6 weeks of delivery.
• Non breast feeding women can start Norgestrel followed by delivery.
• In case of other women, Norgestrel should be started within the first 5 days of menstruation.

Direction to take Norgestrel:

• Special concern should be taken in case of using Norgestrel as there is only one hormone, especially for partially breast feeding or non-breast feeding mother.
• One pill should be taken in a particular time regularly.
• New pill should be started in the very next day after finishing all the pills of the existing packet. There should be no gap between using two packets.

In case of missed dose:

• Use a back-up method of birth control or condom for 2 days if you are more than 3 hours late taking this medicine. Take the next dose at your regular time.
• Risks of getting conceive is increased if 2 consecutive doses are missed. In this case, condom or any other non-hormonal back-up method should be taken instead of taking pill. Norgestrel should be started from the first day of the next menstruation cycle. If menstruation does not occur after 4-6 weeks of stopping pill, then consult with a doctor.

After how many days combined pill can be started?

• Norgestrel is highly effective during the period of breast feeding. But, when the baby can take other foods along with breast milk after completion of 6 months, other low dose pill is better than Norgestrel in that case. Any combined pill can be taken in this case. In this situation, combined pill can control regular menstruation cycle very effectively.

Women with the following conditions should not take Norgestrel:

• During pregnancy or if pregnancy is suspected
• Irregular or abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Breast cancer
• Liver inflammation, jaundice, or any other liver disease

The use of certain medicines such as rifampicin, barbiturates, and griseofulvin may reduce the effectiveness of Norgestrel. If these medicines are needed while taking Norgestrel, a doctor should be consulted.

Like other contraceptive pills, Norgestrel does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or AIDS.

Oral contraceptive preparation

Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C.