Cilest Contraceptive Pill

Cilest is a combined contraceptive pill that has over a 99% effective rate in protecting women from pregnancy. It is manufactured by Janssen-Cilag and is made up of two different hormones. There are 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 250 micrograms of norgestimate in each pill. These are synthetic versions of the body’s natural hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

Cilest works by stopping the egg from being released during ovulation, thickening the mucous and thinning the uterus lining and these three mechanisms combined make Cilest so successful in preventing pregnancy. Cilest is called a monophasic pill as each pill in the strip contains the same amount of hormones.

Cilest is a 21-day pill so each strip you are given contains 21 pills. You take a pill every day at the same time by following the directions of the arrows on the strip. The strip is also marked with the days of the week so you take the pill that corresponds to the day you are on which means you know when you have taken your pill. Once you have completed the cycle, you then have seven pill free days where you experience a withdrawal bleed that is much shorter and lighter than a period. Once you have finished this time frame, you start the next strip of pills on the eighth day.

There are a number of advantages to using the combined contraceptive pill, the major advantage being its effectiveness. If the pill is used correctly, it is very unlikely that you will become pregnant. Many women like the pill because it makes their periods lighter and shorter, thereby reducing any period pain they experienced previously. It also regulates the cycle, so you know when you are going to have a period. Another advantage is that is does not interfere with sex and is a very discreet method of contraception.

Aside from containing the two hormones, Cilest also contains magnesium stearate, pregelatinised starch, dye and lactose. Therefore if you are lactose intolerant you should tell your doctor, as there are other brands of contraception available.

---

« Cerazette and Pregnancy How does Cilest work?                                                                           »