Did you know the contraceptive pill is over 60 years old? Yes, it’s been helping Australian women avoid an unwanted pregnancy for that long! The current Pill is convenient, cheap and nearly 100 per cent effective if taken correctly. Positives plus! But if you are one of the many women who suffer side effects from the Pill, then we have some good news!

A new Pill, NEXSTELLIS, has recently been approved for use in Australia, and it’s been described as “the next generation of birth control pills”. But what makes it different from what’s currently on the market?

What makes it different?

All oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation (the process where your mature eggs are released from your ovaries). They also contain oestrogens, which are a group of hormones that play an essential role in women’s sexual and reproductive development.

The current Pill contains modified, synthetic versions of oestrogen. NEXTSTELLIS is unique because it’s the first contraceptive pill to contain a naturally-occurring oestrogen that’s synthesised from a plant source. It’s called estetrol or E4. This E4 can have a range of benefits, which may result in a better contraceptive experience for some women. Possibly you!

What are its benefits?

If taken every day as directed, the following are some of the benefits of NEXTSTELLIS:

• It’s 98 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.
• It can give you lighter, more predictable periods.
• The E4 in NEXTSTELLIS supports the health of the vagina, uterus and bones.
• Breakthrough bleeding (which is common between periods when starting oral contraceptives) is minimal.
• Common side effects you might experience with other contraceptive pills (like headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness and weight gain) may be less likely.

How do I take it?

You take NEXSTELLIS in a similar way you would take the current Pill. So, you take one pink pill at the same time every day for 24 days. You then take the white (sugar) pill for the following four days. And then you start the process again. How easy is that?

Are there any adverse side effects?

Like most medications, there can be some side effects, but these are often minimal and should be weighed up against the benefits. That’s why it’s important you talk to your doctor first. They’ll be able to determine whether NEXSTELLIS is a safe and effective contraceptive option for you. It’s worth a try!

To discuss if this contraceptive pill could be the right choice for you, please book an appointment with Dr Terry Sheahan today. Call (07) 3353 3100 or contact us here.

Source: https://www.nextstellis.com/