Alesse is a birth control pill containing two sex hormones (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol).

Birth control pills such as Alesse work by inhibiting the monthly release of an egg (or eggs) by the ovaries. Some studies have demonstrated changes in the endometrium (lining of the womb) and mucus produced by the cervix (opening of the uterus) with the use of birth control pills.

Take Alesse tablets orally, every day at approximately the same time of day. The tablets should be taken in order.

You may start the pill on any day of your cycle, but you should use backup birth control (like condoms) for two weeks until the pill becomes effective. If you miss a pill, please refer to this website from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada about what to do next:

Patients may experience breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, and bloating when starting Alesse or other COCs (Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives).

These symptoms typically resolve quickly. Sometimes in the first three months, you might have unscheduled bleeding (spotting, or periods at unexpected times), which usually clears up. Some people report low mood or decreased libido when taking COCs. And although there’s a lot of patient concern over this, there’s no evidence that COCs cause weight gain.

Be patient when taking COCs for the first time as it may take a few weeks to adjust to the new medication.

Yes, Alysena is the generic, non-branded version, or the brand name birth control Alesse. 

You should not take Alesse if you are pregnant. In addition, if you have experienced any of the following conditions: Blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, breast disease, circulation problems, migraine with aura, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smokers over 35 should not take Alesse.

There are many different options for birth control. You can read learn more about deciding which birth control option is right for you here.

Alesse is over 97 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. To be taken as directed, you should take the pill every day. When taken correctly, a 97 percent effectiveness rate means that if 100 women take Alesse correctly for a year while being sexually active, three will get pregnant yearly. 

This makes Alesse a very effective method of birth control. As a baseline, 60 to 85 women out of 200 will become pregnant in a year if no birth control is used. Using condoms, between two and 12 women out of 100 will become pregnant in a year. A combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive like Alesse, provided it contains at least 20 micrograms of estrogen, will only result in up to three women becoming pregnant, making it an efficient choice. 

It is also important to remember that Alesse takes up to seven days to work. Like other combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), it can take about a week to take effect when taken correctly. Using a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for two weeks after taking the pill is advisable to be protected from pregnancy.

Alesse is a combination pill containing a combination of estrogen and progestin. Pills containing both hormones are called combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), which people generally refer to when they talk about “the pill.” 

Alesse is considered a low-dose COC and a safe and reliable contraceptive for most women. It contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and a progestin - levonorgestrel. The low dose doesn’t make Alesse any less effective than higher-dose oral contraceptive pills. 

The low estrogen content in Alesse can be beneficial for people experiencing side effects such as headaches, nausea,  mood changes, and breast tenderness. However, it’s worth noting that a low dose of estrogen can also increase the risk that you will experience spotting. Spotting, also known as breakthrough bleeding, is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. 

Higher dose estrogen pills, such as Mirvala, can be a good alternative if you experience spotting on Alesse. Different COCs also contain different types of progestin. Through discussion with your healthcare practitioner and trial and error, you can determine if Alesse is a good choice.

Alesse is a monophasic combination birth control pill. Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are naturally produced in the body, primarily by the ovaries. 

Combination birth control pills are also called estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs), and while there are different doses available, they are all equally and highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Alesse is a low-dose COC that, thanks to the lower dose of hormones, can help prevent some side effects that some women experience when taking birth control pills. 

These include breast tenderness, headaches, and mood changes. The lower dose can lead to breakthrough bleeding in some people, in which case a higher dose of COC may be better suited. Alesse is monophasic. That means each pill in your pack of Alesse contains the same hormone dose, compared to multiphasic oral contraceptives in which the dose varies. 

Monophasic pills are usually easier to take because they offer more flexibility. On a monophasic pill, you can choose to skip periods by continuing to take the pill during your “off” week. For this reason, your doctor’s first choice will likely be to prescribe a monophasic pill such as Alesse.