Combined contraceptive pill and progestin-only oral contraceptive (COPS)
The contraceptive pill is also known as the “combined oral contraceptive“,“anovulatory pill“ or “birth control pill“.
Progestin-only oral contraceptives are also known as “mini-pills”, “mini-dose pills”, “progestin-only pills” or “oral progestins”.
Composition
For the combined pill: Box of 28 tablets: 21 active (with hormones) and 7 inactive (without hormones). Composition may vary by brand.
For progestin-only oral contraceptives ( COPS): 28 active tablets (with hormones).
Efficiency: 91% in typical use and 99.7% in perfect use.
Price: about $15 a month, covered by most insurance plans. Free for certain‧e‧s students‧e‧s and users‧rice‧s depending on their situation.
Operating mode
For the combined pill:
Prevents the release of an egg.
Thickens cervical mucus, blocking spermatozoa.
Thins the uterine wall, preventing egg attachment.
For progestin-only oral contraceptives (COPS):
Thickens cervical mucus, blocking spermatozoa.
Thins the endometrium, making it difficult for the egg to implant.
Instructions for use :
One tablet a day, at the same time. Menstruation usually occurs during inactive tablets.
COPS: A variation of more than three hours significantly reduces efficacy and entails a risk of pregnancy. There will be no break in intake and the person will not menstruate.
Respect a maximum stop of 7 days to maintain efficacy. Continuous intake is possible, to be discussed with a‧e healthcare professional‧le.
Where can I get it? : A prescription is required. Consult your doctor, pharmacist‧ne, CLSC, regular clinic, or S.O.S. Pregnancy nurse. Certain‧e‧s school nurses‧ère‧s may also prescribe it.
COPS: May be suitable for people who cannot take estrogen, who are breast-feeding or who smoke.
Disadvantages
Its effectiveness may be reduced by other medications, vomiting or diarrhea;
May cause migraines, fatigue, inter-menstrual bleeding and/or increased appetite in some people.
Provides no protection against STIs
Requires constant grip to avoid forgetting it
It is not recommended for people who cannot take estrogen, who are breast-feeding, who smoke or who are over 35(combined pill only).
FAQ
* Items with a star apply to the combined contraceptive pill only.
What is continuous use of the contraceptive pill?*
Continuous dosing means that you take all 21 active pills from your box with a new box, without taking inactive pills. This prevents menstruation. This method is safe for the body and can be used over several months or on a temporary basis, e.g. during a trip.
I’m at the end of my pack and still have my period. Should I wait until it’s over before starting a new pack?*
No, it’s important to respect the 7 days of inactive pills, even if your period continues. Start a new pack after these 7 days to maintain the pill’s effectiveness. Stopping taking the pill for more than 7 days may reduce its effectiveness.
Can it be difficult to get pregnant after stopping the contraceptive pill?
No, you can become pregnant with your next ovulation, a few weeks after stopping the pill.
What factors can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill?
Several factors can reduce the effectiveness of the pill, including vomiting, diarrhea shortly after taking it, certain antibiotics, or delaying/forgetting to take it. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist‧ne.
Is the contraceptive pill effective from the first dose?
The pill reaches maximum effectiveness after 7 days’ use. During this period, we recommend using a complementary contraceptive method, such as a condom.
What to do in case of bleeding between periods (spotting)?
Continue taking the pill as scheduled to maintain its effectiveness. If spotting persists or worries you, consult a health professional‧le.
Sources: Ça se planifie. A guide to choosing the right contraception, on The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). Available at: https: //www.caseplanifie.ca/ (consulted on 08-2024).
