Birth Control Comparison Tool
Select your preferences to find the best birth control option for you:
| Brand | Estrogen (mg) | Progestin | Cycle | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mircette | 0.02 | Desogestrel 0.075 mg | 28-day (21 + 7 placebo) | Low estrogen dose, milder acne control |
| Yaz | 0.02 | Drospirenone 3 mg | 24-day (21 + 3 placebo) | Reduced water retention, acne improvement |
| Seasonale | 0.035 | Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg | 84-day (extended) | Only four bleeding periods per year |
| Loestrin | 0.02 | Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg | 21-day | Long-track record, low dose |
| Natazia | 0.02 (Estradiol valerate) | Dienogest 2 mg | 28-day | Natural-like estrogen, less estrogen-related side effects |
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen | 0.03 | Norgestimate 0.18 mg | 21-day | Good for acne, lower androgenic effects |
| Nexplanon | - (implant) | Etonogestrel 68 µg/day | Continuous (3 years) | No daily pill, very high efficacy |
| Yasmin | 0.02 | Drospirenone 3 mg | 21-day | Similar to Yaz but with a traditional 21-day bleed cycle |
TL;DR
- Mircette combines low‑dose ethinyl estradiol with desogestrel, offering a milder estrogen impact.
- Yaz and Yasmin add drospirenone, which can reduce acne but may raise blood‑pressure concerns.
- Seasonale and Natazia provide extended‑cycle options, cutting down “period weeks.”
- Loestrin and Ortho Tri‑Cyclen are long‑standing low‑dose pills with well‑documented safety data.
- The sub‑dermal implant Nexplanon eliminates daily pills altogether, but insertion requires a clinician.
What is Mircette?
Mircette is a combined oral contraceptive that mixes 0.02mg ethinyl estradiol with 0.075mg desogestrel. It belongs to the second‑generation progestin family, meaning the progestin component (desogestrel) has a lower androgenic activity than older pills such as levonorgestrel.
Mircette is marketed for preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycles, and treating moderate acne in women who desire a low‑estrogen option.
How Mircette Works
The estrogen part (ethinyl estradiol) stabilises the uterine lining and provides cycle control, while desogestrel suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the luteinising hormone surge. Together they thicken cervical mucus, creating a two‑pronged barrier against sperm.
Key Comparison Criteria
When you line up Mircette against other hormonal options, these six factors usually drive the decision:
- Hormone mix - type and dose of estrogen and progestin.
- Cycle length - traditional 21‑day, 24‑day, or extended‑cycle formats.
- Side‑effect profile - weight changes, mood swings, acne, blood‑pressure impact.
- Contraindications - smoking, migraine with aura, clotting disorders.
- Typical‑use failure rate - how real‑world use compares to perfect use.
- Cost & accessibility - price per pack and whether it’s covered by the NHS.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Estrogen (mg) | Progestin | Cycle | Key Benefits | Typical‑Use Failure % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mircette | 0.02 | Desogestrel 0.075mg | 28‑day (21+7 placebo) | Low estrogen dose, milder acne control | 7 |
| Yaz | 0.02 | Drospirenone 3mg | 24‑day (21+3 placebo) | Reduced water retention, acne improvement | 7 |
| Seasonale | 0.035 | Levonorgestrel 0.15mg | 84‑day (extended) | Only four bleeding periods per year | 8 |
| Loestrin | 0.02 | Levonorgestrel 0.1mg | 21‑day | Long‑track record, low dose | 7 |
| Natazia | 0.02 (Estradiol valerate) | Dienogest 2mg | 28‑day | Natural‑like estrogen, less estrogen‑related side effects | 7 |
| Ortho Tri‑Cyclen | 0.03 | Norgestimate 0.18mg | 21‑day | Good for acne, lower androgenic effects | 7 |
| Nexplanon | - (implant) | Etonogestrel 68µg/day | Continuous (3years) | No daily pill, very high efficacy | 0.05 |
| Yasmin | 0.02 | Drospirenone 3mg | 21‑day | Similar to Yaz but with a traditional 21‑day bleed cycle | 7 |
Pros & Cons of Mircette
Pros
- Very low estrogen dose reduces risk of nausea and breast tenderness.
- Desogestrel’s low androgenicity means fewer unwanted hair‑growth side effects.
- Approved for acne treatment, offering a dual benefit.
- Standard 28‑day cycle keeps a regular monthly bleed that many find reassuring.
Cons
- Even low‑dose estrogen can still raise clotting risk in smokers over 35.
- Breakthrough spotting is common during the first three months.
- Not as widely stocked as legacy brands, so a pharmacy may need to order it.
How to Choose the Right Pill for You
Start by listing your priorities: are you hunting for acne control, minimal hormone exposure, fewer periods, or a price‑friendly option? Then match those priorities against the criteria above.
If you value a lower estrogen level and want a pill that also tackles acne, Mircette is a strong candidate. If you’re sensitive to any estrogen, an estrogen‑free method like the Nexplanon implant or a progestin‑only pill (the “mini‑pill”) might be safer.
Women who smoke or have a history of migraine with aura should steer clear of combined pills altogether - that’s a hard rule across the board, regardless of brand.
Talk to your GP about your medical history, lifestyle, and budgeting. Most NHS clinics will let you try a brand for a few cycles before committing to a long‑term prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mircette be used to treat acne?
Yes. The combination of low‑dose ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel has been shown in clinical trials to improve moderate acne after 3‑4 months of consistent use.
Is Mircette safe for women over 35 who smoke?
No. Any combined oral contraceptive, including Mircette, carries an increased risk of blood clots in smokers over 35. A progestin‑only method or non‑hormonal option is recommended.
How does the effectiveness of Mircette compare to Nexplanon?
Mircette has a typical‑use failure rate of about 7%, while Nexplanon’s rate is under 0.1%. The implant is far more effective, but it requires a minor procedure and costs more upfront.
What should I do if I miss a Mircette pill?
If you miss one active tablet, take it as soon as you remember and continue the pack. If you miss two or more, take the most recent missed pill immediately, discard the others, and use a backup method (condom) for 7days.
Is Mircette covered by the NHS?
Yes, Mircette is listed on the NHS prescription drug tariff. Your GP can prescribe it, and you’ll only pay the standard prescription charge (or exemption if you qualify).
1 Comments
Sumeet KumarSeptember 29, 2025 AT 18:41
Great overview, thanks for the clarity! 😊