Ethinyl estradiol is primarily prescribed as a form of birth control used to prevent pregnancies. It is commonly combined with a synthetic form of the progesterone hormone in what is called a “combination” birth control pill.

Aside from being used as a method of birth control, combination birth control tablets can:

• Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (anxiety, depression, and stress in the days leading up to your period)
  
• Decrease the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
  
• Decrease the risk of ovarian cysts
  
• Improve acne
  
• Make periods lighter, shorter, and more regular
  
• Reduce menstrual cramps
  

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking oral birth control pills.

Combination birth control tablets contain two hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and some synthetic form of progesterone. When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process by which ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Together, these measures help to prevent fertilization from sperm, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period. A triphasic contraceptive kit will use three different ratios of hormones during the pill cycle. It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking combination birth control tablets, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

You may experience some mild side effects while taking a combination birth control pill containing ethinyl estradiol. Talk to your doctor if these reactions become severe, or do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from combination birth control pill use include:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
  
• Breast tenderness
  
• Change in menstruation
  
• Bloating
  
• Weight changes
  
• Acne
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you experience vision changes, headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or other more severe symptoms while taking contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking a combination birth control pill. Ethinyl estradiol can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Ethinyl estradiol is supplied as an oral tablet, usually containing a synthetic form of the progesterone hormone. One tablet should be taken every day for 28 days. Take these tablets at the same time every day. Birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of an oral contraceptive without consulting your doctor first. Birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using birth control pills, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Ethinyl estradiol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ethinyl estradiol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for ethinyl estradiol to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.