Birth control pills - combination


Description

Oral contraceptives use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Combination pills contain both progestin and estrogen.

Alternative Names

The pill - combination; Oral contraceptives - combination; OCP - combination; Contraception - combination; BCP - combination

What Are Combination Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills help keep you from getting pregnant. When taken daily or as prescribed, they are one of the most effective methods of contraception. For most women they are extremely safe. They also have a number of other benefits. Some of these include:

Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Some combination birth control pills allow you to have fewer periods each year. These are called continuous or extended-cycle pills. Ask your health care provider about dosing options to decrease the frequency of your menstrual cycles.

Types of Combination Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills come in packages. You take pills from a 21-pack once a day for 3 weeks, then you do not take pills for 1 week. It may be easier to remember to take 1 pill every day, so other pills come in a 28-pack of pills, with some having active pills (containing hormones) and some with no hormones.

There are 5 types of combination birth control pills. Your provider will help you choose the right one for you. The 5 types are:

How Do I Start Taking Combination Pills?

You may:

For continuous or extended cycle pills: Take 1 pill every day, at the same time each day.

How Do I Take Them?

Take 1 pill every day, at the same time of day. Birth control pills only work if you take them every day. If you miss a day, use a backup method.

What if I Miss a Day?

If you miss 1 or more pills, use a backup method of birth control and call your provider right away. What to do depends on:

Your provider will help you get back on schedule.

What to Expect When I Stop

You may decide to stop taking birth control pills because you want to get pregnant or change to another birth control method. Here are some things to expect when you stop taking the pill:

When to Use a Backup Method

Use a backup method of birth control, such as condom, diaphragm, or sponge if:

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your provider if you have any of the following symptoms after starting to take the birth control pills:

References

Allen RH, Kaunitz AM, Hickey M, Brennan A. Hormonal contraception. In: Melmed S, Auchus, RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.

Glasier A. Contraception. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 134.

Isley MM. Postpartum care and long-term health considerations. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.


Review Date: 11/10/2022
Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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