About Portia

Portia is an oral contraceptive that contains two female hormones; Levonorgestrel is a man-made progesterone and Ethinyl Estradiol is an estrogen. This combination will help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Portia is available in a 3-pack of either 21 or 28 pills per pack, or as a single package of 21 or 28 pills. Some women prefer the 21 pills and taking 7 days off before restarting, while others like to stay in the habit of taking 1 pill every day so the 28 pack contains 21 active pills and 7 inactive “reminder” pills.

How Portia Helps to Suppress Ovulation

When taken as directed, Portia, basically tricks your pituitary gland into thinking you are already pregnant because of the increased progestin and estrogen hormones in Portia. This slows the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are essential for ovulation.

Besides suppressing ovulation, Portia or generic Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol also thickens your cervical mucus so sperm have a difficult time travelling through the cervix, and also causes the lining of your uterus to become thin and uninviting to a fertilized egg so it simply passes from your body. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Preventing a Pregnancy Due to Health Concerns

Some health conditions may make being pregnant unsafe for the baby and yourself. If you are diabetic, your doctor will advise you to get your blood sugar levels under control before trying to conceive. Certain sexually transmitted infections can bring on early labor and cause your water to break and a uterine infection while you are also risking passing the STI on to your baby during the pregnancy or during delivery. Whatever your reason for not wanting to become pregnant, Portia can help you control this from happening until you are ready.

Before You Take Portia

Make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Portia and do not take it if you have had a baby within the last four weeks. Ask your doctor if it is safe to breast feed while taking Portia. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal preparations and vitamin supplements so your doctor can decide if Portia is the right oral contraceptive to be taking. Portia will not protect you from the HIV infection, or stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Portia Precautions

If you are over the age of 35 and a smoker, do not take Portia. This mix can put you at a high risk for developing a blood clot and increase your chance of a heart attack. When first starting Portia, you should use a second form of contraception such as a condom or spermicide until the medication has had time to work through your system. Until you know how Portia will affect you, do not operate a motor vehicle or undertake other tasks that are considered risky.

Possible Side Effects of Portia

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vaginitis
• Weight changes

Drugs Similar to Portia

• Aviane
• Alesse
• Levora