Camila is a mini pill that’s very effective at protecting against pregnancy. It only contains one hormone, making it a better option if you’re sensitive to estrogen.
We’re here to make finding the right pill easier. Talk to us to get expert advice on contraception. Order Camila online, and get access to our clinicians whenever you need it.
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Camila is a type of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) that only contains one type of hormone. This is a progestin called norethindrone, and helps to prevent pregnancy by making the fluid in the cervix thicker. This stops the sperm from reaching the egg, even if the body has produced one.
Progestin-only pills also prevent ovulation in some women, which means that the ovary doesn’t release an egg. So even if a sperm did make it through the cervix, there would be no egg to fertilize.
Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) tend to be more widely taken than progestin-only pills. But POPs like Camila are recommended for women who can’t take combined birth control because they have a health factor that makes them sensitive to estrogen.
How effective is Camila?
If you take Camila perfectly, every day as instructed by the package insert, it’s over 99% effective at stopping pregnancy. In birth control terms, over 99% means that out of 100 women using the contraceptive over 12 months, fewer than one will get pregnant.
“Typical” use is a little less reliable as it takes into account real-world mistakes, like forgetting the occasional pill or taking it late. The mini pill is 91% effective when taken typically, so nine in 100 women using it over one year will become pregnant.
Does Camila only come in one dosage?
There is no ‘Camila Low’ alternative. If you are experiencing Camila side effects or want to find out about a higher dose to help with symptoms of PMS, you should let us know.
The good news is there are many Camila alternatives, both hormonal and non-hormonal, so if you don't find the perfect method of contraception immediately, don’t worry. Sometimes there’s a bit of trial and error with it.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Instructions for Camila tablets
Camila pills come in a blister pack, marked with arrows and days of the week. Take one pill at the same time each day, with water, following the arrows that are labeled on the strip. Take it continuously, with no break between strips. You can start taking Camila any time if you’re not already using hormonal birth control. If you’re switching from another form of contraception, take your first pill on the day after the last pill in your previous pack. You can lessen the risk of Camila pill side effects by not taking it more than once within a 24-hour period.
What counts as a missed pill on Camila?
The missed-pill window for Camila is three hours, so it’s important to take your pill around the same time every day. If you’re more than three hours late taking it, it’s the same as missing a pill entirely. For this reason, you should take Camila at the same time each day. To help you remember, try and get into the habit of taking it alongside a daily task. For example, you could take it with breakfast or just before bed if you do these things at the same time each day. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the pill that follows as normal (even if it means taking two pills on the same day). You’ll need to use extra contraception like a condom for seven days. If you miss more than one pill, you should use extra barrier contraception in the meantime and ask our clinician for advice.
How long does Camila take to work?
If you start taking Camila between the first and fifth days of your period, you’ll be protected against pregnancy right away. If you start on any other day during the month, you’ll need to use condoms or other barrier contraception to stay covered for the first 48 hours of taking it. After this, you’ll be protected, as long as you’ve followed the instructions carefully.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Camila: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How does Camila work?
Answer:
Every month, your body goes through a checklist of things to prepare for pregnancy. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg which travels through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. If the egg is fertilized as it travels, it attaches to the uterine wall and starts growing. If the egg remains unfertilized, you get your period.
All of this happens because of rising and falling levels of hormones. Hormones trigger ovulation as well as smaller changes, like telling the wall of the uterus to become thicker so that it’s easier for a fertilized egg to attach itself there.
The hormone in Camila, norethindrone, is a type of progestin. Adding it to the hormones already in your body alters what happens every month. Norethindrone increases the thickness of cervical fluid, so sperm cannot swim through and reach an egg as easily. The progestin in mini pills can also override the normal hormonal cycle, preventing ovulation to begin with.
Coming off Camila to get pregnant: what do I do?
Answer:
While you are not likely to get pregnant on Camila, its effects wear off quickly. This is why it’s important to take it as instructed as any missed pill can mean you’re less protected within hours.
The upside of this is that you should be able to become pregnant soon after stopping if that’s what you want. It’s recommended that you wait one cycle (for your period to return fully) so that you’ll be able to track when the baby’s due.
Does Camila stop periods entirely?
Answer:
Not all women have withdrawal bleeds or periods on progestin-only pills. Some women may find that they have irregular spotting or bleeding between periods for the first couple of months of taking it. But this should stabilize after a short time.
Camila bleeding needs to be monitored, particularly at the start of treatment. If you develop heavy bleeding or if it’s continuous or unpredictable, you should let us know.
Camila or Norethindrone: which one is better for me?
Answer:
They’re both mini pills containing the same active ingredient, norethindrone, but capital-N Norethindrone is usually a little cheaper. They’re made by different companies so the pills might look different, but will work the same way and are equally effective.
Does Camila cause weight gain?
Answer:
The evidence for Camila weight gain, or any hormonal contraceptive, is hard to find. So why is it listed as a side effect for these treatments? The causes of weight gain are hard to pinpoint, so it’s hard to say the pill definitively does not cause weight gain.
Having said that, Camila weight loss is also listed as a side effect, so at the very least, we can say that you may experience some change in weight. If in doubt, tell us, and we can offer advice on whether other options will be better suited for you.
Can I take Camila as an acne treatment?
Answer:
Unlike the combined pill, Camila should not be taken to treat acne. That’s because the active Camila ingredient, norethindrone, can actually worsen the condition when taken alone.
If you suffer from acne, let us know about this during your consultation so we can factor this into the treatments we recommend to you.
Do I need a prescription for Camila?
Answer:
You can only get Camila, or any hormonal alternative to Camila, by prescription.
Birth control is very much an individual treatment. What works well for one person might not be suitable for someone else, which is why it’s important to get personalized recommendations from our clinician beforehand.
Why should I order Camila online with Treated?
Answer:
Treated can help you get the birth control you’re looking for, delivered to your home, right when you need it. Tell us about your health to get tailored suggestions for contraception. Then, it’s just a case of picking the option that suits you best.
After you've started your plan, we'll get in touch regularly to see how you're doing. Good or bad, we want to know, so we can help you settle on the birth control pill that's best for you. If you need to switch to another pill, we can help you find other options that suit you better.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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