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How Effective Is Combination Of Levonorgestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol As Contraceptives?
Question: Hello,
We are in Cambodia for 3 years. We brought as much contraceptive medication as we were allowed but we are going to run out. I have been taking a combination pill that is as follows. week 1 norgestimate .18 mg ,week 2 norgestimate .215, week 3 norgestimate .25. All of these have ethinyl estradiol .035 mg. The only thing we can get at our local pharmacy is slightly different and is 3 weeks the same at levonorgestrel .15 mg, ethinyl estradiol .03 mg. We want to know if this is comparable and safe to use or not. All of the writing other than this information is in Khmer so it is hard to give more. Thanks in advance XXXXXXX
We are in Cambodia for 3 years. We brought as much contraceptive medication as we were allowed but we are going to run out. I have been taking a combination pill that is as follows. week 1 norgestimate .18 mg ,week 2 norgestimate .215, week 3 norgestimate .25. All of these have ethinyl estradiol .035 mg. The only thing we can get at our local pharmacy is slightly different and is 3 weeks the same at levonorgestrel .15 mg, ethinyl estradiol .03 mg. We want to know if this is comparable and safe to use or not. All of the writing other than this information is in Khmer so it is hard to give more. Thanks in advance XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
It is OK
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
I appreciate the situation snd confusion you are in. However, nothing to be stressed out about this issue. I shall guide you properly.
There are different types of contraceptive pills.
Some are combination of oestrogen and progesterone through out the cycle, some are with different doses of progesterone as per the phases of cycle. Some are only progesterone and so on. You were so far on the changing doses of progesterone (norgestamate) with steady dose of Oestrogen (ethinyl estradiol). Now what you are getting is steady doses of both - levonorgestrel (Progesterone) and ethinyl estradiol. This combination also is an effective combination. You may swithch over to this combination.
Will you please furnish me with the following information:
1. How is the pattern of your menstruation - amount and days of bleeding, frequency and regularity?
2. How many children do you have?
3. What is your plan about family?
4. What is the brand name of the contraceptive pills you have obtained currently in Cambodia?
5. What is the brand name of the contraceptive pills you were consuming so far?
After knowing all these details, I may be in a position to advise you as the current combination is suitable for your hormonal balance or you need different combination.
Please get back to me with the information soon to get the correct advice. However, till that you may continue to take the available pills. Please start them from the second day of the menses.
It is OK
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
I appreciate the situation snd confusion you are in. However, nothing to be stressed out about this issue. I shall guide you properly.
There are different types of contraceptive pills.
Some are combination of oestrogen and progesterone through out the cycle, some are with different doses of progesterone as per the phases of cycle. Some are only progesterone and so on. You were so far on the changing doses of progesterone (norgestamate) with steady dose of Oestrogen (ethinyl estradiol). Now what you are getting is steady doses of both - levonorgestrel (Progesterone) and ethinyl estradiol. This combination also is an effective combination. You may swithch over to this combination.
Will you please furnish me with the following information:
1. How is the pattern of your menstruation - amount and days of bleeding, frequency and regularity?
2. How many children do you have?
3. What is your plan about family?
4. What is the brand name of the contraceptive pills you have obtained currently in Cambodia?
5. What is the brand name of the contraceptive pills you were consuming so far?
After knowing all these details, I may be in a position to advise you as the current combination is suitable for your hormonal balance or you need different combination.
Please get back to me with the information soon to get the correct advice. However, till that you may continue to take the available pills. Please start them from the second day of the menses.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
1. Average is 5 days of light to medium bleeding. 3 weeks in between with none.
2. We have 4 children, ages 14,13,10,7
3. Unless something changes, done
4.OK is the brand. Manufactured by Famy Care Ltd. in XXXXXXX
5. Tri-Sprintec , XXXXXXX ??
2. We have 4 children, ages 14,13,10,7
3. Unless something changes, done
4.OK is the brand. Manufactured by Famy Care Ltd. in XXXXXXX
5. Tri-Sprintec , XXXXXXX ??
Brief Answer:
The current birth control pills are safe for you
Detailed Answer:
Hallow XXXXx,
I have gone through your menstrual history and obstetric history carefully. Would you mind mentioning your age?
Following are my opinions:
1. There is no harm for you to switch over to the current birth control pills you have been prescribed. However, you have to keep a watch on head ache, acute pain in right upper abdomen, any lump in the breast for which regular self breast examination is necessary. Probably with these pills, your menstrual cycle may change to 28 days. Nothing to worry about.
2. If you have completed your family, would you still like to continue on the birth control pills or would you like to adapt some other contraceptive method? Depending up on your inclination I might suggest you some methods to choose from.
I hope this has assured you about your current pills.
For further discussions and any information, I am always there for you XXXX.
The current birth control pills are safe for you
Detailed Answer:
Hallow XXXXx,
I have gone through your menstrual history and obstetric history carefully. Would you mind mentioning your age?
Following are my opinions:
1. There is no harm for you to switch over to the current birth control pills you have been prescribed. However, you have to keep a watch on head ache, acute pain in right upper abdomen, any lump in the breast for which regular self breast examination is necessary. Probably with these pills, your menstrual cycle may change to 28 days. Nothing to worry about.
2. If you have completed your family, would you still like to continue on the birth control pills or would you like to adapt some other contraceptive method? Depending up on your inclination I might suggest you some methods to choose from.
I hope this has assured you about your current pills.
For further discussions and any information, I am always there for you XXXX.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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