Oral Contraception
Oral contraceptives are pills that work by disrupting the menstrual cycle of the user. They are very effective if used correctly, and once use is halted, there is no delay in the return of fertility.
Synopsis
There are two types of oral contraceptives, the combined oral contraceptive (COC) and the progestin-only pill (POP). The combined oral contraceptive contains low doses of estrogen and progestin and works by preventing ovulation. The combined oral contraceptive is also known as “the Pill”, low-dose combined pills, OCPs, and OCs. The progestin-only pill does not contain estrogen and works by blocking sperm from meeting an egg through thickening cervical mucus as well as disrupting the menstrual cycle, including ovulation. Progestin-only pills (POPs) are also called “mini pills” and progestin-only oral contraceptives.
There are two types of oral contraceptives, the combined oral contraceptive (COC) and the progestin-only pill (POP). The combined oral contraceptive contains low doses of estrogen and progestin and works by preventing ovulation. The combined oral contraceptive is also known as “the Pill”, low-dose combined pills, OCPs, and OCs. The progestin-only pill does not contain estrogen and works by blocking sperm from meeting an egg through thickening cervical mucus as well as disrupting the menstrual cycle, including ovulation. Progestin-only pills (POPs) are also called “mini pills” and progestin-only oral contraceptives.
Key Points
- Take one pill each day for greatest effectiveness.
- Bleeding changes, such as more frequent or irregular bleeding, are common but not harmful.
- Pills can be given to a woman at any time to start taking.
- Progestin-only pills are safe for breastfeeding women and their babies as they do not affect milk production.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness depends on the user. Combined Oral Contraceptives: 93%. When no pill-taking mistakes are made, less than 1 in every 100 will become pregnant in the first year of using a combined oral contraceptive. Progestin-Only Pill:99% for breastfeeding users. 93% for non-breastfeeding users. When pills are taken each day at the same time, less than 1 in every 100 will become pregnant in the first year of using a progestin-only pill.
Effectiveness depends on the user. Combined Oral Contraceptives: 93%. When no pill-taking mistakes are made, less than 1 in every 100 will become pregnant in the first year of using a combined oral contraceptive. Progestin-Only Pill:99% for breastfeeding users. 93% for non-breastfeeding users. When pills are taken each day at the same time, less than 1 in every 100 will become pregnant in the first year of using a progestin-only pill.
Nuts & Bolts: Contraceptive Pills
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