Oral Contraception

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are available only by prescription and come in either a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Many brands of each form are available. Although both are equally effective with typical use, the combined pill is more effective with perfect use and most women choose this form.

Some women, however, experience severe headaches or high blood pressure from the estrogen in the combined pill and must take the progestin-only pill. Not all combined pills or progestin-only pills are alike, and brands differ in the amount of estrogen or progestin they contain. Many OC combined brands now use lower estrogen doses than previous brands and are proving to be safe and effective while providing a better quality of life than earlier OCs.

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For all OC users, a check-up at least once a year is essential. It is also important for women to have their blood pressure checked three months after beginning the pill. Former pill users who want to bear children usually regain fertility in three to six months, but they may regain it even sooner.