Levlen

Like other birth control pills, Levlen can cause weight gain in some women — even those who regularly exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Hormones like progestin used in Levlen encourage the body to store fat, particularly around the midsection. Some women may gain only a few pounds or none at all, while others notice significant weight gain.  

In some rare cases, Levlen has been known to decrease libido or sexual desire in some women. The balance of hormones suppresses sexual desire, making it hard for women to connect with their partners. If this is the case, talk to your doctor to see if Levlen doesn't have the right hormone balance you need.  

Levlen affects all women differently. Some women may notice decreases in acne because of the pill, while others may see their acne increase. Ask your doctor about switching prescriptions if you develop acne because of Levlen.

Talk to your doctor before starting any medication, and this includes Levlen. Do not take Levlen if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe migraines, or if you also take certain hepatitis C medications. If you want to stay safe when taking Levlen, tell your doctor about any conditions you have or medications you are on. There are plenty of oral contraceptive options out there. Your doctor can help you find the best one that works for your body and keeps you safe.  

There are a variety of different side effects of Levlen, which affect women in different severity levels. Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting when you first start on the pill
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Acne or changes in skin
• Problems with contact lenses

Like most daily pills, Levlen is most effective when it is taken every day at the same time. Try to find a time that you will remember to take your pill to maximize its effectiveness. Vomiting and diarrhea may decrease the effectiveness of Levlen, as it has not had time to be absorbed by your system.   Levlen is also not effective at preventing sexually transmitted diseases (like HIV or chlamydia). Make sure you and your partner get tested for infections and take precautions through barrier contraception to prevent the spread of STDs.  

While you do need a prescription to take Levlen, it is fairly easy to find in most pharmacies. The brand name may be covered by your insurance, or your health care provider might suggest a generic option instead. There are multiple generic alternatives to Levlen, including Portia, Levora, Chateal, and Altavera just to name a few. These contraceptives use similar active chemicals to prevent pregnancy. If you're looking for affordable contraception, check us out! We can find the right birth control pills you need through a safe and trustworthy source.   

There are two active chemicals that make Levlen effective: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Essentially, these chemicals work together to prevent ovulation (or the movement of the egg from the ovary) and to change the makeup of your cervical mucus and uterine lining. Not only is it harder for sperm to reach an egg through the cervical mucus, but the likelihood that the egg attaches to the uterine lining is significantly decreased. This multipronged approach is what makes these contraceptives so effective.