Katya

Katya is a hormonal contraceptive available in pill form. One tablet contains 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene. These are synthetic forms of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. As each tablet contains two hormones, it is referred to as a combined pill.

If used correctly (instructions are contained in the patient leaflet), this contraceptive is up to 99% effective.

If you do not want to take a combined hormonal contraceptive orally, there are other options available, such as the patch and the ring.

All combined hormonal contraceptives have the same modes of action:

• they prevent ovulation, so that an egg is not released
• they stop sperm from passing into the uterus
• they thin the lining of the womb so that a fertilized egg cannot be implanted

You should always follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist when taking any medication. Instructions are also included in the patient leaflet.

If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor.

• take one tablet every day
• tablets should be taken around the same time daily
• a strip contains 21 tablets
• a strip is labelled with the days of the week
• follow the direction of the arrow on the strip until all 21 tablets have been taken
• you should then take no tablets for 7 days. You are protected during these days
• in the course of these 7 days, “withdrawal bleeding” should occur
• if bleeding does not occur two times in a row, consult your doctor (you may be pregnant)
• on the 8th day, start the following strip, even if the bleeding has not stopped

Hormones affect everyone differently. You may find a contraceptive that works well for you is unsuitable for someone else and vice versa. This is why it is important to be monitored when you first start a new combined pill.

The following are the most commonly occurring side effects:

• headaches
• anxiety
• nausea
• acne
• migraine
• weight gain
• fluid retention
• bleeding and spotting between your periods
• sore breasts
• mood changes

Blood clots

Combined hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots. You should be aware of the symptoms - pain and cramping in the legs and arms, breathlessness, pain in the chest and coughing blood. If this is the first year you are using the pill, the risk will be higher. However, this is still a very rare side effect.

Breast cancer

You should regularly examine your breasts and contact your doctor if you discover any lumps or abnormalities. There is a correlation between the use of the combined contraceptives and the frequency of breast cancer. However, a direct cause is yet to be established.

If any of the following apply to you, you should be careful when using this contraceptive. (consider asking your doctor about alternatives, such as the mini-pill):

• overweight
• aged over 35
• you have recently given birth
• any member of your family has suffered a blood clot at a young age
• you have diabetes
• you have high cholesterol
• you have high blood pressure
• you have an upcoming operation

If you have ever experienced any of the following, Katya, and other combined contraceptives, will not be suitable for you to use:

• a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or any organs
• a blood clotting disorder
• heart attack or stroke
• severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• very high blood pressure
• very high cholesterol
• migraine with aura
• pancreatitis
• liver or kidney condition
• breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• unexplained bleeding from the vagina
• allergies to ethinylestradiol or gestodene, or any of the other ingredients of this contraceptive

If any of these apply, please consult your doctor for advice on alternative contraceptive methods.

You can buy Katya online, along with many other combined pills and contraceptives. HealthExpress requires you to first complete a confidential consultation with one of our doctors. This is all done online, and your answers will never be shared with any third-parties.

Please note, you must first have been prescribed this contraceptive by your personal doctor before ordering online.

Once your order is approved by our doctors, you can expect to receive your contraception the very next day. The entire process usually takes no longer than 48 hours.