Synphase is a combined oral contraceptive classified as hormonal combined birth control pill. This means that Synphase contains two active ingredients, synthetic, manmade hormones called norethisterone and ethinylestradiol which will mimic the functions of progesterone and oestrogen once they are introduced into the female organism. The birth control provided by this pill is directly tied to these processes, as both progesterone and oestrogen play very important roles in preparing the female body for potential pregnancy during every menstrual cycle. Their bioequivalents will efficiently simulate them, thus changing the levels of sex hormones detected by the body and essentially postponing the relevant processes for as long as contraceptive pills are used.
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How reliable is Synphase?
Synphase is advertised as being 99% effective in providing protection from pregnancy, just like other birth control pills available on the UK market. The mechanism of action of synthetic progesterone analogues has been proven as safe and reliable time and time again, and additional protection provided by oestrogen bioequivalent adds yet another layer of protection, resulting in a very high reliability of Synphase. And it is exactly because of this that combined oral contraceptives are thought to be somewhat safer as compared to the progesterone-only mini-pills alternative.
However, in order to ensure this high level of protection, you will have to make sure you are taking Synphase properly which includes commencing the course at the correct time, taking the pills at the same time each day and not missing a dose. Another thing you should keep in mind is that there are several drugs, remedies and even foodstuffs and teas that are known to be able to impair the efficiency of various birth control pills. So, when taking Synphase, you should be careful to avoid them and if that is not possible, as can easily happen, you should use additional barrier contraception during the period the efficiency of Synphase is compromised. Please consult the official patient information for information on how long the impairment might last.
The substances in question include the following:
- Epilepsy medications
- Barbiturates
- HIV or AIDS treatments
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal medications
- St John’s wort
How does Synphase work?
As was mentioned, Synphase is a combined hormonal birth control pill and as such, it contains two active ingredients belonging to the class of synthetic hormones. Ethinylestradiol and norethisterone which work as manmade analogues to oestrogen and progesterone respectively will work by mimicking the activity of the naturally-occurring sex hormones, thus interfering with various biochemical processes which take place during each monthly cycle in order to prepare the female body for potential pregnancy. In essence, Synphase works by tricking the body into thinking that the relevant processes already took place, so there is no need for them to be triggered yet again. But, let us take a bit deeper look into the issue.
Synphase and progesterone levels
Progesterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in preparing the female body for potential conception. Most importantly, it is the compound that triggers ovulation, the release of the egg cell from the ovaries, without which conception cannot take place. Because of this fundamental role, progesterone alone can be used for successful birth control and progesterone-only mini-pills serve to prove that claim. By introducing synthetic versions of progesterone into the female body (norethisterone in case of Synphase), contraceptive pills will trick the body into believing that ovulation already took place, so the egg cell won’t be released by the ovaries during the month when oral contraceptives have been (properly) used.
Synphase and oestrogen levels
As was implied, synthetic oestrogen is not essential for ensuring the efficiency of birth control pills, but it does provide an additional layer of protection. More specifically, oestrogen plays and important role in changing the consistency of vaginal fluids as well as managing the environment by the uterine wall. With synthetic oestrogen (ethinylestradiol in case of Synphase) introduced into the female body, the thickness of the vaginal fluids will increase, making it more difficult for the sperm to navigate through the cervix to the fallopian tubes. And even if this happens and for some reason the egg cell gets released, the changes in the womb will make it much more challenging for the fertilised egg cell to implant into the uterine wall, again, preventing pregnancy.
With this multidimensional approach and multiple layers of protection, combined birth control pills such as Synphase are very reliable and provide an exceptionally high level of protection against unwanted pregnancy.
Can I buy Synphase online in the UK?
Yes, it is possible to buy Synphase online in the UK. However, regardless of whether you are looking to buy birth control pills online or via the traditional route, contraceptive pills are prescription only medications and as such, they can be obtain only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. And this is not without good reason. The efficiency of birth control pills when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy is just one part of the issue. Even more importantly, the choice of suitable birth control pill will also minimise the risk of side effects and make the whole treatment less invasive and disruptive when it comes to natural hormonal cycles.
In order to make sure that Synphase is the right choice for you, the doctor employed at the online clinic of your choice will ask you to fill in a customised and detailed medical questionnaire that can then be used to assess your suitability for this medication. If everything checks out, the doctor will issue a prescription and have Synphase delivered from the partner pharmacy to the online clinic of your choice. The other possibility is that the doctor might recommend some other combined contraceptive that might be more suitable, like Triadene for example.
What are Synphase side effects?
Learning about the side effect prior to commencing treatment is highly recommended for all prescription medications. The same is true for birth control pills such as Synphase. However, since contraceptive pills directly interfere with the hormonal balance, the side effects can be somewhat different than expected. In addition to this, learning about the side effects will allow you to easily differentiate between uncomfortable, yet benign side effects and those which might require you to quit taking Synphase and seek immediate medical advice.
Aside from the risk of an allergic reaction which is a risk that comes with any medication, dangerous possible side effects of Synphase mostly revolve around increased risk of developing a blood clot. The symptoms that might be indicative of this include:
- Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen
- Coughing up blood
- Sharp and severe pain in the chest
- Sudden shortness of breath or painful breathing
- Inflammation of the veins in the legs
- Migraines (without prior history)
- Dizziness
- Sight or speech problems
Other documented side effects include:
- Upset stomach
- General malaise
- Loss of appetite
- High blood pressure
- Weight fluctuations
- Depression
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Loss of libido
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
Please note that this is not a complete list of all documented side effects. For a more detailed overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Synphase.
