Lybrel is a new, FDA-approved birth control pill in the U.S. Lybrel is different from other birth control pills because those taking it don’t experience their periods or any of the other common complaints associated with menstruation, like cramping and mood swings.

How does it work?
Like other forms of hormonal birth control, Lybrel releases hormones into a girl’s body that cause her not to ovulate. Since she is not releasing an egg (ovum), she cannot become pregnant. The hormones also cause her cervical mucus to thicken, which prevents sperm from swimming up into her cervix and fallopian tubes.

With most birth control pills there is a week of placebo pills at the end of each pack. Placebo pills contain no hormone and are included in the pack only to help her stay on schedule with taking a pill every day. With Lybrel, girls continue to take an “active” pill—one that contains hormones—each and every day so that the lining of the uterus never gets built-up or sheds. Thus, those taking Lybrel do not get their periods.

When taken correctly, Lybrel has a failure rate of approximately one to two percent per year. This means that for every 100 people who take Lybrel each year without missing any pills, one or two get pregnant. Taking any birth control pill consistently and correctly is the best way to ensure protection from pregnancy.

What are the drawbacks?
Some women and girls like getting their periods for a variety of reasons. Many use their period as confirmation that they aren’t pregnant. Others just feel like it’s an important part of being female. With Lybrel, girls need to take a pregnancy test if they are experiencing common symptoms of pregnancy, like breast soreness or tenderness, having to urinate (pee) more often, feeling really tired, feeling nauseous and throwing up.

Like with all hormonal birth control options, there are some side effects. Most side effects of the pill are not serious. The most common are unscheduled bleeding, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and difficulty wearing contact lenses. These side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, may subside within the first three months of use.

The serious side effects of the pill don’t happen often, especially if you are in good health and do not smoke. Some examples of serious side effects are:

• Blood clots
• Liver tumors
• High blood pressure

And, of course, Lybrel and other forms of hormonal birth control pills don’t provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so it is still important to use condoms.

How do I get Lybrel?
Lybrel requires a prescription from a health care provider. Your doctor, gynecologist or a medical professional at a clinic can write one for you. They can also talk with you about all of your birth control options to make sure you are getting the right method for you. If you aren’t good at remembering to do something every day—like taking a pill—then you can also check out Implanon, Depo-Provera and the NuvaRing.

For more information on Lybrel, you can check out their Web site.

Still have questions? Read more information on menstruation.