There is an extensive variety of birth control pill brands available on the market today for consumers. There are so many in fact, that it can be a bit intimidating when it comes to choosing the right one. I suggest that you do some research so that you educate yourself as this will help you in making the right decision. If you are still unsure of which type will suit your needs, consult with your doctor.

The birth control pills that are manufactured today come in several different types. They all contain hormones which work by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs into the uterus. Choosing the type of pill and the regimen to follow is often more important than choosing among birth control pill brands. I am going to discuss the different types of birth control pills so that you have a better understanding of the differences:

• Estrogen plus progestin. Most pills contain both hormones, and the modern estrogen dose is much lower than the older pills.

• Low-estrogen. Using the lowest possible estrogen dose helps minimize side effects. However, breakthrough bleeding (spotting between periods) can be a problem.

• Progestin only (also called the "mini-pill"). Estrogen gets into breast milk, so this pill is a good choice for breast-feeding moms. The mini-pill must be taken at the same time every day, and users may also notice breakthrough bleeding.

Now that you have a type of birth control pill in mind, it’s time to pick the regime that is going to work for you. Most of the birth control pill brands that are available come in monthly packs. This schedule involves taking hormone pills for three weeks, then taking placebos (pills without any medicine) for a week. During the week that you take your placebo pills, your menstrual cycle will occur. Monthly birth control pill brands come in steady-dose packs and in doses that change gradually over a three week period of time. The changing dose is meant to imitate a normal menstrual cycle.

There are however, some birth control pill brands that mandate a 24-day cycle which will require that you take your birth control pills for 24 days in a row instead of 21; oftentimes, a woman’s period will shorten to less than three days. Personally, I do not know of one woman that would not be pleased with that benefit.

Lastly, there is schedule that involves taking steady-dose pills every day for three months, then taking the placebo pills for a week. This schedule will allow a woman to have a menstrual cycle only four times per year. This may be an even bigger benefit for a lot of woman.

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On top of all of the different schedules that you can pick from, birth control pill brands also contain varying types of estrogen and/or progestin. Essentially, they all work the same way; the difference lies within the molecular structure of each pill. Companies are able to patent their specific brand of pill if the molecule is unique. However, it is important to keep in mind that different types of hormones seem to have side effects that vary in different women.

What this means is that one particular brand of pill might make a woman feel bloated and irritable, while another brand lets her feel like herself again. The only way you are going to find the best match for your system is to try each brand out. Most doctors recommend trying out one brand of birth control pill for a period of three months. At that time, if your body has not adjusted to the side effects then it is time to try a different brand.

Most birth control pill brands are very similar. Doctors will often recommend one based on what that doctor is used to, on what a patient's insurance will cover, or on what an uninsured patient can afford. However, a few brands do have special features.

You will discover that most birth control pill brands are very similar. More often than not, doctors will recommend a brand and type of pill based on what is familiar to that doctor. Other reasons for a particular recommendation may be due to insurance factors; what a patient’s insurance will cover or what can be afforded by an uninsured patient. There are a few select brands that have special features.

Yasmin is a brand that contains a special form of progestin and appears to be very helpful with PMS symptoms which include water retention and bloating. Loestrin FE is meant to be taken on a 24-day cycle. This pill is made for women who wish to have shorter, lighter periods. Most birth control pill brands do lighten up one’s menstrual cycle, but Loestrin appears to have an especially strong effect. Lastly, Seasonale is a three-month pill. This is the first pill on the market that is sold in three-month packs.

After reading the above information, hopefully you have a better understanding of the different brands and types of birth control pills that are available. Remember to always consult your doctor before making your final decision.