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What is Low Dose Birth Control?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Low dose birth control is a form of hormonal birth control with a dosage which is on the low end, reducing the unpleasant side-effects associated with hormonal birth control. It is no less effective than “high dose” birth control pills, as long as it is used correctly, and many women prefer low dose versions because of the reduction of side effects. Low dose birth control also has many of the benefits associated with hormonal birth control, such as control over a woman's menstrual cycle, and a reduction of cramps, spotting, and PMS.

When hormonal birth control was first introduced, the dosage was very high, because doctors still weren't sure about the correct dosage. As a result, many women developed unpleasant side-effects. The problem was compounded by the type of estrogen used in early hormonal birth control. As more was learned about estrogen and hormonal birth control, doctors were able to reduce the dosage, and switch to a different form of estrogen.

Birth control medication usually indicates in what order the pills should be taken.
Birth control medication usually indicates in what order the pills should be taken.

A typical low dose birth control product delivers less than 35 micrograms of estrogen with each dosage. Many are in pill form, although it is also possible to find a low dose contraceptive patch, which delivers hormones through the skin, and a low dose contraceptive ring, which is inserted into the vagina, where it delivers a slow supply of hormones to prevent pregnancy. Ultra low dose birth control has less than 20 micrograms per dose.

Ortho patches are a form of low dose birth control.
Ortho patches are a form of low dose birth control.

Some examples of low dose birth control products include Nordette®, Yasmin®, and Cyclessa®, among others. A doctor may start a woman out on a low dose product, switching to an ultra low dose form of birth control if she experiences side effects from the hormones. Higher dosage products delivering up to 50 micrograms a day may be used in women who experience heavy menstruation, as the higher dose makes periods much lighter, and reduces spotting between periods. Dosages may also need to be adjusted for larger women.

In general, low dose control pills work just as effectively as other oral contraceptives and have fewer side effects.
In general, low dose control pills work just as effectively as other oral contraceptives and have fewer side effects.

Low dose birth control (or any form of hormonal birth control) should not be used during pregnancy. It is most effective when taken as directed, and in the case of oral birth control, it is critical to take the pill every single day, ideally at the same time. Hormonal birth control also does not prevent sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, AIDS, and gonorrhea, and it is not 100% reliable, leading many doctors to recommend the use of a barrier method such as a condom in addition to hormonal birth control. After abstinence and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), hormonal birth control is the most effective form of birth control, with a failure rate of around 2%.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Moldova

Oasis11- I use Yasmin and I love it too. It really cleared up my skin. I just want to add that IUD’s are also a form of low dose birth control.

For example Mirena, is a popular IUD that also provides very low levels of progesterone into the system.

A small plastic figure in the shape of the letter "T" is inserted in the uterus to prevent ovulation.

This form of birth control is effective for a period of five years. The disadvantage is that it can be costly as most insurance providers do not cover the costs of an IUD.

Rates for the insertion may vary, but most gynecologists charge $800 to $1,000 for the procedure.

But the good thing is that it lasts for five years and you don’t have to worry about taking a pill. So if you break down the costs for a period of five years, it results in $13 to $16 per month.

oasis11

Great article- I just want to add that many low dose birth control pills offer its patients many additional benefits.

For example, Yasmin not only reduces acne but may reduce the risk of ovarian and cervical cancer. While this form of birth control is not for everyone it does have some positive side effects.

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    • Birth control medication usually indicates in what order the pills should be taken.
      By: cristi180884
      Birth control medication usually indicates in what order the pills should be taken.
    • Ortho patches are a form of low dose birth control.
      By: alco81
      Ortho patches are a form of low dose birth control.
    • In general, low dose control pills work just as effectively as other oral contraceptives and have fewer side effects.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      In general, low dose control pills work just as effectively as other oral contraceptives and have fewer side effects.
    • Barrier methods, such as condoms, can be used in addition to low dose birth control.
      By: Gajus
      Barrier methods, such as condoms, can be used in addition to low dose birth control.