Ortho Micronor®

While many women can take combination birth control without complication, a pill containing two types of hormones, some women are sensitive to estrogen and may need to take a single hormone medication instead. The main ingredient in Ortho Micronor® is norethindrone, which is a form of progestin. Unlike the combination pill, Ortho Micronor® does not contain estrogen. Because of this, it acts in only 2 of the 3 ways that combination pills do to prevent pregnancy. While still very effective, the lack of estrogen makes it less effective than pills containing both hormones. Non estrogen birth control pills do not prevent ovulation, the release of the egg, in all women. About half of all women taking Ortho Micronor® will no longer ovulate.

Ortho Micronor® birth control reduces the risk of pregnancy by changing the uterine walls to make them thicker and also thickening vaginal fluid. The thicker walls will make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. The thicker vaginal fluid makes the path for sperm to swim much more difficult, making fertilizing the egg far more of a challenge.

Non Estrogen Birth Control

So why would a woman want non estrogen birth control (also referred to as “the mini pill”)? Some women do not have a healthy reaction to estrogen and therefore need a low dose birth control or a non estrogen birth control. Ortho Micronor® is a great solution for these women and is one of the best birth control pills lacking estrogen. This pill is taken much the same as other birth control pills, with one pill a day taken at approximately the same time each day. While pregnancy may be prevented by Ortho Micronor® birth control, it’s important to remember that it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases including HIV. This is one reason that health professionals recommend also using a barrier method (like a condom) when having sexual intercourse with someone who has not been tested. If you are in a monogamous relationship, getting tested with your partner is the best way to assure that your sexual health will remain intact throughout your relationship.

Low Dose Birth Control

When taking Ortho Micronor® birth control it is important to follow all instructions given to you by the doctor and pharmacist. If you start taking any medication while still on the low dose birth control it is vital that you check with your health care professional to be sure that no interactions will occur. Certain over-the-counter medications may also impact the efficacy of the pill so speak to your doctor about all meds and supplements you are taking.

Safest Birth Control

When it comes down to it, only your physician can tell you the safest birth control choice for you. For women with an allergy or intolerance to estrogen-based medications, that choice may be the non estrogen birth control Ortho Micronor®. If you are already pregnant or are breastfeeding than taking Ortho Micronor® is not recommended.

Most women experience few, if any, Ortho Micronor® side effects. Some of the most common include headaches, swelling in the legs or ankles, numbness or weakness on one side of the body.