What is the difference between the combined oral contraceptive and the progestin-only pill?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Tuyet Mai - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

The oral contraceptive pill is a highly effective temporary method of contraception used by many women. However, not everyone knows that there are 2 different types of birth control pills: the combined pill and the progestin-only pill. Depending on the health conditions of each person, they will be consulted to choose the right medicine.

1. Combination birth control pills

The combined oral contraceptive pill contains 2 female sex hormones, estrogen and progestin, which work by inhibiting ovulation, making the endometrium unsuitable for egg implantation, and thickening of cervical mucus. uterus. This prevents a man's sperm from entering during unprotected sex.
Combined oral contraceptives are indicated for women who want to use a highly effective temporary method of contraception.
Those who are not allowed to use combined oral contraceptives:

Thuốc tránh thai kết hợp chứa đồng thời 2 loại nội tiết tố là estrogen và progestin.

1.1. Absolute contraindication Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. Breastfeeding within 6 weeks of giving birth. Older age (≥ 35 years old) and regular smoker ≥ 15 cigarettes/day. There are many risks of coronary heart disease (older age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension...) Hypertension: systolic BP ≥ 160 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥ 100 mmHg). Have or currently have cardiovascular and coagulopathy such as vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, coagulopathy, ischemic heart disease, complex valvular disease, cerebrovascular accident Hereditary thromboembolism. If you are going to have surgery, you will need to lie down for more than 1 week. Migraine headache. Having breast cancer. Diabetes with complications (kidneys, nerves, retina, blood vessels). Have systemic lupus erythematosus and have antiphospholipid antibodies (or not tested). Existing severe liver disease with severe impairment of liver function such as) active acute hepatitis, decompensated cirrhosis, liver tumor (except in cases of benign focal nodular hyperplasia). 1.2 Relative contraindications Are breastfeeding from 6 weeks to 6 months or not breastfeeding within 4 weeks of birth. Elderly (≥ 35 years old) and smoke less than 15 cigarettes/day. Have or have high blood pressure: systolic BP 140 to 159 mmHg or diastolic BP 90 to 99 mmHg. Have had or are experiencing hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol from taking oral contraceptives. Have had breast cancer before and have not had a recurrence within the past 5 years. Medical treatment of gallstones or compensated cirrhosis Taking certain medications such as rifampicin/rifabutin, the antiviral drug Ritonavir-booster protease inhibitor, and certain anticonvulsants such as phenytoin , carbamazepine, barbiturates, primidone, topiramate, oxcarbazepine or lamotrigine.

2. Contraceptives alone

The progestin-only pill is a temporary contraceptive that contains a small amount of progestin, no estrogen. The drug has the ability to prevent ovulation, but mainly works to thin the lining of the uterus and thicken the cervical mucus; interferes with the implantation of the egg and prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
The drug is indicated in women who want to use an effective temporary method of contraception, especially suitable for women who are breastfeeding or have a contraindication to combined oral contraceptives.
Those who are not allowed to use oral contraceptives alone:

Viên thuốc tránh thai chỉ có progestin — Thuốc tránh thai chỉ chứa progestin thích hợp với phụ nữ đang cho con bú hoặc có chống chỉ định với thuốc tránh thai kết hợp

2.1. Absolute contraindications Pregnant women. Having breast cancer. 2.2. Relative contraindications Current deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism . Have systemic lupus erythematosus and have antiphospholipid antibodies (or are not tested) or have severe thrombocytopenia. Have had breast cancer before and have not had a recurrence within the past 5 years. Decompensated cirrhosis with severe hepatic impairment, or liver tumors (except in benign focal nodular hyperplasia). Are using certain drugs such as rifampicin/rifabutin, the protease inhibitor ritonavir - booster (Ritonavir - booster protease inhibitor) and some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, primidone, topiramate, oxcarbazepine. In short, regardless of the type of birth control pill you use, to achieve a high level of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, you must take it regularly. You will need to use another method of birth control if you have vomiting or diarrhea while taking the Pill. You should consult your doctor to prepare another method of contraception in case it is necessary. Continue your daily oral contraceptive pill even if you have an upset stomach, or do not think you are likely to become pregnant. Do not stop taking the drug on your own.
It should be noted that birth control pills do not help prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

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Article referenced source: Pasteur.com