A Guide to the Best Contraceptive Pill in South Africa
In this article, we will provide an overview of some of the best contraceptive pills available in South Africa and some factors to consider when choosing a pill that fits your needs.
What this article covers:
- Contraceptive pill brands available in South Africa
- Types of birth control pills
- How to get birth control prescribed online
- FAQs on the best birth control pill
Finding the best birth control pills in South Africa
Most women out there are on a quest to find the best birth control pill that suits them. You know, those burning questions we all end up Googling:
- "What's the best birth control pill for acne?"
- "Best birth control pill for weight loss"
- "Best birth control pill with least side effects"
- “Which is the best contraceptive”
But here's the real deal: Our bodies are unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. While medical doctors and blogs written by health experts can suggest certain pill brands that seem like a good fit, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
So, here's the scoop: Using birth control can be a bit of trial and error. It's normal for your body to react differently to various pills, so don't worry if the first one isn't suitable.
Sure, there are some highly recommended birth control brands like Yaz, Yasmin, Nordette, or Triphasil that often get a lot of thumbs up. But even after giving them a shot, you might discover they're not the best contraceptive pill option for you.
What contraceptive pill brands are available in South Africa?
You might have heard that there are hundreds of birth control pill brands out there in the world. But when it comes to South Africa, things get a tad more straightforward.
You'll find about 20-26 different brands of birth control pills at your local pharmacies such as Dischem and Clicks.
You can learn more about the price of birth control pills by visiting our informative blog.
Getting familiar with birth control pill brands
When choosing the best birth control brand you should have a purpose in mind.
Some women need it to prevent pregnancy or use it to treat a medical condition such as acne.
Birth control pills are available in a variety of hormonal formulations (estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both).
- If you are concerned about side effects, you should consider taking low-dose pills.
- If you suffer from acne, look for pills containing drospirenone, a progestin that is known to help keep your skin in check.
What is the best birth control pill?
The best control pill will be the one that suits you. Getting advice from a licensed medical professional is always best. You can visit a doctor in person or book a consultation with a doctor online to discuss your contraceptive options.
If you're researching, it's helpful to understand the various types of pills. Here's a brief overview with examples of pill brands in South Africa.
Ingredients: Contain both estrogen and progestin.
Types:
- Monophasic: Same dose of hormones in each active pill
- Biphasic: Two different hormone dose levels throughout the cycle
- Triphasic: Three different hormone dose levels throughout the cycle
Example of pill brands: Yasmin
Why is it used?
- Combination birth control pills (COCs) are often preferred over other types of pills because they contain both estrogen and progestin, which work together to provide more comprehensive contraceptive benefits.
- COCs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, and they offer additional benefits such as regulating menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramps, and improving acne.
Ingredients: Only contain progestin
Example of pill brands: Minipill (not available in SA), Microval
Why is it used?
- POPs are often used by women who can't take estrogen-based contraceptives due to health reasons, such as breastfeeding mothers, smokers over 35, or those with a history of blood clots.
- They provide a convenient, reversible method of contraception with fewer side effects compared to combined hormonal contraceptives.
Ingredients: Lower doses of estrogen and progestin.
Example of pill brands: Nordette
Why is it used?
- Low-dose birth control pills contain lower levels of hormones compared to regular pills.
- They're used to prevent pregnancy with fewer side effects, making them suitable for women who are sensitive to hormones or have medical conditions that require lower hormone doses.
Ingredients: Higher doses of estrogen and progestin.
Example of pill brands: Ovral
Why is it used?
- High-dose birth control pills contain higher levels of hormones compared to regular pills, which can be used to treat certain medical conditions like severe menstrual disorders or endometriosis.
- They are not typically used as primary contraception due to increased side effects and risks.
How to Get Your Birth Control Online
Now that you've got the lowdown on the pill and you're thinking about giving it a shot, here's the deal: You've got options.
You can choose the classic route and book an in-person doctor's appointment or you can choose a different route: online telehealth services like Get My Pill.
Online
Once you get a prescription from our medical team, you can use it to purchase your medication at any pharmacy nearby.
If you want to skip the pharmacy, you can select free delivery and purchase your medication directly from our partner pharmacy Clicks using their EFT option.
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Oral contraceptive pill
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Releases hormones that stop ovulation. It comes in a wide range of varieties and is taken daily. |
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Frequently asked birth control pill questions
What is the best contraceptive pill for acne in South Africa?
Acne can be managed with birth control pills. The contraceptive pill Yaz and Yasmin are the most popular option for treating acne. Read this article for more information on Birth Control Pills That Treat Acne. Keep in mind that results may differ from person to person, so be patient and consistent with your chosen contraceptive method to achieve the outcome you want.
What is best birth control pill with the least side effects?
Individual reactions to oral contraceptives can vary greatly, making it difficult to choose the best birth control pill with the fewest side effects. Low-dose combination pills, such as those containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, are often associated with fewer side effects for many people. Yasmin ( contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is one example.
Is there a best contraceptive pill for skin whitening?
There are no contraceptive pills that have been specifically designed or proven to lighten or whiten the skin. Contraceptive pills, which regulate hormonal balance, are primarily used for birth control and the management of various reproductive health issues. While some contraceptives may have secondary skin effects, such as reducing acne or controlling oil production, they are not intended to change skin color.
What is the best contraceptive pill for weight loss?
There is no best birth control pill for weight gain or designed specifically for weight loss. There is also no evidence that the combined pill will cause weight gain.
However, some people notice that their weight fluctuates during the first few months. This could be the result of fluid retention (bloating) or an increase in appetite.
Higher estrogen levels are thought to be associated with weight gain, so a pill containing a lower dose of estrogen may be beneficial. These pills are usually combined, which means they contain both estrogen and a synthetic form of progesterone.
However if you're looking for the best birth control to avoid weight gain, Yasmin is one example that is recommended by healthcare providers. This pill uses drospirenone, a progesterone alternative that acts as a diuretic. This means you are unlikely to experience water retention.
What is the best contraceptive pill for women in their 40s?
Many women in this age group may choose lower-dose birth control pills, which have a lower risk of side effects like blood clots. Progestin-only pills or birth control methods such as the hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) and the contraceptive implant may also be appropriate options because they provide effective contraception while posing fewer estrogen-related concerns.
What is the best contraceptive pill for heavy periods?
The best birth control pill for heavy bleeding is frequently one that combines hormones, specifically estrogen and progestin. To help regulate menstrual flow and lessen heavy bleeding, medications like "Yasmin," "Diane-35," "Marvelon," are frequently prescribed.
These medications function by balancing hormonal changes that can cause heavy periods.
What is the best contraceptive for first time users?
This choice will be based on what is best for you. For example, some women may use the contraceptive patch rather than taking the pill on a daily basis. For first-time users, a highly recommended contraceptive option is the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC), which contains both estrogen and progestin hormones.
This article's information is not meant to be taken as health or medical advice; rather, it is meant for educational and informational purposes only. If you have any concerns about a health objective or a medical condition, always seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider (link).