Ships from India with tracking

Ovral G (norgestrel, ethinyl estradiol) is, in simple terms, a hormonal birth control pill primarily used to prevent pregnancy, though it does see other uses. As a contraceptive it is taken once per day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break before resuming the next 21-day course.

In more detail, Ovral G is a Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC). Most "birth control pills" are combined oral contraceptives. The combined indicates the medication contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norgestrel). In combination the two hormones are very effective at preventing pregnancy.

An estrogen hormone works to:

• Stabilize naturally-fluctuating estrogen levels
• Inhibit ovulation (the release of eggs)
• Support the endometrium (lining of the uterus), which inhibits mid-cycle bleeding

And progestin works to:

• Inhibit ovulation
• Make the uterine lining inhospitable to fertilized eggs, so they cannot attach
• Thicken cervical mucus to inhibit sperm from entering the cervix

In other words, with respect to preventing pregnancy, Ovral G prevents ovulation. If an egg is released, it is unlikely that sperm will be able to pass through the thickened cervical mucus to fertilize it. If sperm does get past the cervix to fertilize it, the fertilized egg will probably not be able to successfully attach to the uterine wall. All together, if the medication is taken properly, pregnancy is very unlikely.

Using Ovral G as a Contraceptive

The most important aspect of using oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy is taking it regularly. The medication must be taken every day, at the same time every day, to remain effective.

Pills must be taken for seven consecutive days to provide full contraceptive benefit; during the first seven days other methods of birth control should be utilized. Skipping doses or taking them at irregular times (rather than the same time each day) increases risk of pregnancy. For missed doses:

• If one dose is missed, take two pills at the regular time the next day.
• If two consecutive doses are missed, take two pills the next day and two pills the day after that.
• If three consecutive days are missed, treatment should restart; use other methods of contraceptives until seven consecutive days of treatment have passed.

Ovral G can also be used as an emergency contraceptive, more commonly called a "morning after pill". In this application:

• Take two Ovral G pills within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
• Take another two pills 12 hours after the first two were taken.

This will inhibit fertilization or, if an egg is already fertilized, prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus. If a fertilized egg has already attached to the uterus Ovral G will not end the pregnancy; it is important to take the first two pills before the 72-hour window has closed. This method may not be as effective as regular, long-term use of an oral contraceptive and it can produce disruptive side effects, such as severe nausea. In other words, it should be reserved for emergency use and not relied on as a regular form of birth control if having frequent intercourse.

Other Uses

Combined oral contraceptives like Ovral G are used in a number of other conditions, such as:

• Endometriosis and/or adenomyosis (abnormal uterine lining growth)
• Amenorrhoea (absence of periods when they should be present)
• Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Moderate acne

In the above cases treatment is typically similar to use as a contraceptive; it is taken in 21-day cycles followed by 7-day breaks, during which menstruation will occur. Long-term, regular use is needed for full benefit. It may take a month or two of use for full benefits to be seen or felt.

Hormonal contraceptives are also sometimes used in certain cancer treatments; in these cases treatment will need to be individualized.