Which pill is the best one to take?

Most pills on the market are similar in that they all do pretty much the same thing: prevent pregnancy. However, some may have slightly different doses or types of hormones. The two main categories are combination pills and mini-pills.

Combination pills contain two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and by thinning the lining of the uterus. Benefits of combination pills include less crampy, lighter, shorter periods, as well as reduced acne. The combo pill may also reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.Mini-pills contain only the hormone progestin. They prevent pregnancy by thickening your cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus. Some mini-pills suppress ovulation, but that’s not the main way they work.

Mini-pills are safe for women who sensitive to estrogen, at risk of heart disease or strokes, or are heavy smokers. They are also safe for breast-feeding women.

Talk to your health care provider to figure out what hormone doses and combinations are right for you.