Freya is a type of birth control known as a combined oral contraceptive (COC). It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin, and when taken reduces the chances of pregnancy.

In the case of Freya, the specific hormones are desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol.

Birth control pills such as Freya help reduce the chances of pregnancy in two ways. Firstly they inhibit the monthly release of an egg(s) by your ovaries. Secondly, studies suggest that changes in both the endometrium (lining of the womb) and the mucus produced by the cervix (opening of the uterus) occur with the use of birth control pills.

This makes it less likely that a sperm will penetrate an egg, or for an egg to implant on the wall of the uterus.

If you’re using the 21 day pack of Freya, then take one pill daily at the same time of day for 21 days, then do not take any pills for 7 days. After 7 days begin the next pack. Some women prefer to skip their period by taking the 21 day packs back-to-back, which is acceptable.

If you’re using the 28 day pack take one pill daily. The last seven days are sugar pills, and that’s when your period will occur.

You can start taking your birth control pills on any day, at any point in your cycle.

Make sure to keep track of when you begin and what time you take your pill each day. Also reference the packaging of your birth control pills because it will tell you what day you are on, whether you use a 21- or 28-day pack.

Read more about when to start birth control here.

When taking Freya, please monitor for a rare but serious side effect of blood clots: shortness of breath, chest pain (particularly with deep breathing), coughing up blood, persistent leg pain, or redness, swelling, or warmth in your lower legs (usually one-sided) can all be indications of a blood clot in the legs or lungs, and should never be ignored.

Please seek medical attention promptly if this occurs, in the emergency department.

You should not take Freya if you are pregnant. In addition, if you have experienced any of the following conditions: Blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, breast disease, circulation problems, migraine with aura, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smokers over 35 should not take Freya.

Yes. All low dose combination pills can be used for the treatment of acne. Most often, your practitioner will recommend a standard, low dose combined birth control pill like Alysena/Alesse, Mirvala/Marvelon or Tricira Lo.

There are some newer formulation of combined pills with progestins that are possibly better for acne. In some studies, combined birth control pills containing drospirenone (like Yaz) performed better at reducing acne. However, this form of birth control has possibly been correlated with increased risk of blood clots.

You can read more about how birth control can help with acne here.

There are many different options for birth control. You can learn more about deciding which option is right for you here.