APRI

Apri Birth Control: Complete Guide to Uses, Hormones, Benefits, Side Effects, and Medical Safety

Apri birth control is a popular combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel, designed to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce PMS symptoms. As a monophasic pill, Apri delivers the same dose of hormones in every active tablet, offering steady hormonal levels and predictable cycles.

Apri belongs to the same contraceptive category as Sprintec, Yaz, Loestrin, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but it uses a different progestin—desogestrel—which may suit individuals who respond better to that hormone profile. This guide covers everything users need to know about Apri, including how it works, benefits, possible side effects, safety considerations, and comparisons with other birth control pills.

What Is Apri?

Apri is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing:

• Ethinyl Estradiol (0.03 mg) – synthetic estrogen

• Desogestrel (0.15 mg) – progestin

Desogestrel tends to produce a lighter androgenic effect than progestins like norgestimate (Sprintec) or drospirenone (Yaz), making Apri a good option for those with hormone sensitivities or concerns about acne.

Apri is used for:

• Pregnancy prevention

• Period regulation

• Reducing menstrual pain

• Managing PMS symptoms

• Regulating acne in some users

Trusted medical sources such as NIH and Mayo Clinic support Apri’s therapeutic profile.

How Apri Birth Control Works

Apri prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms:

1. Stops Ovulation

Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries.

2. Thickens Cervical Mucus

This blocks sperm from entering the uterus.

3. Changes Uterine Lining

A thinner lining reduces chances of implantation.

Apri is 99% effective with perfect use and approximately 93% effective with typical use.

Benefits of Apri Birth Control

1. Reliable Pregnancy Prevention

When taken consistently, Apri provides strong contraceptive protection.

2. Monophasic Formulation

Every active pill has the same hormone dose, minimizing hormonal fluctuations and improving cycle predictability.

3. Lighter, More Regular Periods

Many users experience:

• Reduced cramps

• More predictable cycles

• Lighter bleeding

4. Hormone Profile That Suits Sensitive Users

Desogestrel may cause fewer androgenic side effects compared to:

• Drospirenone (Yaz)

• Norgestimate (Sprintec)

5. Relief for PMS Symptoms

Apri can reduce mood swings, bloating, and headaches associated with hormonal changes.

6. Acne Neutral (Depends on Individual Response)

While not FDA-approved for acne treatment, many users find it helps rebalance hormones.

Apri Dosage and Schedule

Apri uses the traditional 21/7 regimen:

• 21 active tablets with hormones

• 7 placebo tablets for a withdrawal bleed

Instructions:

• Take one pill at the same time daily

• Start on Day 1 of period or per clinician’s instructions

• Missing multiple pills requires backup contraception

Consistency is essential for Apri’s effectiveness.

Who Can Use Apri?

Apri is suitable for individuals who:

• Want a regular monophasic birth control pill

• Prefer a desogestrel-based formula

• Want lighter periods

• Need help regulating menstrual cycles

• Experience PMS symptoms

• Prefer standard estrogen dosing (30 mcg)

Users who had side effects with norgestimate pills (like Sprintec) or drospirenone pills (like Yaz) may respond well to Apri.

Who Should NOT Use Apri?

Apri may not be appropriate for individuals with:

• Smoking status (age > 35)

• History of blood clots

• Certain migraines

• High blood pressure

• Liver disease

• Hormone-sensitive cancers

A medical professional must review conditions before prescribing Apri or any combined contraceptive.

Possible Side Effects of Apri

Side effects vary based on individual hormone sensitivity.

Common:

• Nausea

• Breast tenderness

• Light spotting

• Mild headaches

• Mood changes

Less common:

• Skin sensitivity

• Changes in libido

• Bloating

Rare but serious:

• Blood clots

• Stroke (risk increases with smoking)

• Liver complications

Medical research sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org

Apri vs. Other Birth Control Pills

Apri vs. Sprintec

• Apri uses desogestrel; Sprintec uses norgestimate

• Hormonal balance may differ

• Sprintec sometimes preferred for acne

(Internal link: Sprintec page)

Apri vs. Yaz

• Yaz uses drospirenone, which reduces water retention

• Yaz is FDA-approved for PMDD and acne

• Apri may be tolerated better by users sensitive to drospirenone

Apri vs. Loestrin

• Loestrin contains lower estrogen (20 mcg or 10 mcg formats)

• Apri uses 30 mcg estrogen

• Loestrin may be gentler on individuals sensitive to estrogen

Apri vs. Ortho Tri-Cyclen

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen is triphasic; Apri is monophasic

• OTC is FDA-approved for acne

• Apri offers simpler dosing with consistent hormones

Medical Safety and Usage Guidelines

Best practices:

• Take the pill at the same hour daily

• Review interactions (antibiotics, seizure medications, etc.)

• Understand steps for missed doses

• Drink water and maintain general health

Avoid:

• Smoking (especially age >35)

• Skipping active pills

• Mixing hormonal products without guidance

Non-Contraceptive Benefits of Apri

Apri may also help with:

• Cycle regulation

• PMS reduction

• Menstrual pain relief

• Hormonal balancing

• Period predictability

These non-contraceptive uses make Apri a versatile option under clinician supervision.

Final Thoughts on Apri Birth Control

Apri birth control is a dependable, monophasic oral contraceptive pill using desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy, regulate cycles, and manage menstrual symptoms. Its hormone profile and predictable dosing schedule make it suitable for users looking for consistent cycle control without major hormonal fluctuations.

With comparisons to Sprintec, Yaz, Loestrin, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Apri fits well within the category of modern combination birth control pills used for both contraceptive and therapeutic purposes.

Always consult a healthcare provider before choosing or switching contraceptive methods.