Estradiol Valerate/Dienogest (Oral)

Estradiol Valerate and Dienogest are two types of hormones that are used together to help prevent pregnancy. Women take these hormones orally via birth control pills. The hormones stop the body from ovulating, cause the cervical wall to thicken in order to prevent sperm from entering the cervix and cause the lining of the uterus to thin to prevent fertilized eggs from attaching to the womb.

Warnings/Side Effects

Women who take oral contraceptives should be aware that this medication does not protect against HIV or other STDs. Women and their partners should use another form of protection against these diseases.

Women should not smoke while on this medication. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke while on oral contraceptives. Women who are over the age of 35 are also at greater risk of heart attack and smoke while on birth control pills.