Demulen & Zovia

How it Works

Demulen and Zovia contain a combination of the female hormones progestin and estrogen (ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol), which work to prevent pregnancy in three ways. First, the hormones stop ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). The hormones also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, blocking sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Lastly, these birth control pills prevents the uterine lining from thickening, making it less hospitable to implantation.

Oral contraceptives are only to be utilized as a form of birth control. They do not protect against the transmission of HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Benefits

Birth control pills utilizing ethynodiol diacetate are better at preventing side effects such as acne and unwanted hair growth than others, becuase this progestin is a first-generation progestin of minor estrogenic effects and little andronic activity. The level of the androgenic effect refers to the chance of unwanted side effects such as acne and hirsutism (female unwanted hair growth), which increase as the androgenic level increases.

This progestin in Demulen and Zovia is more successful at preventing ovulation and at lessening menstrual bleeding than other kinds of progestin.

All birth control pills, Demulen and Zovia,  included, have also been shown to possibly have the following benefits:

• Menstrual cycle may become more regular, and blood flow may become lighter (reducing the chances of anemia)
• Cramps or other pain during menstruation may become less intense and/or frequent
• Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less frequently
• Ectopic pregnancies may occur with less frequency
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease may occur less frequently

Risks

All birth control pills, including Demulen and Zovia, can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack, especially for women who smoke and/or are older than 35. Women who smoke should not take birth control pills.

Birth control pills containing this progestin are associated with increased early or mid-cycle breakthrough bleeding and spotting compared to other combination pills. Look for brands with a higher dose of estrogen, which may counteract the instances of breakthrough bleeding.

Possible side effects include:

• Changes in weight or appetite
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Changes in menstrual period
• Breast tenderness, swelling or secretion
• Increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Problems with contact lenses