Oral contraceptive pill

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), also known as birth control pills, are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control. The introduction of the birth control pill ("the pill") in 1960 revolutionized the options for contraception, sparking vibrant discussion in the scientific and social science literature and the media. Much attention focused on issues of women's rights, including ethics and personal choice. But these medications also introduced new questions about risk.^[1]

Two types of female oral contraceptive pills, taken once per day, are widely available:

• The combined oral contraceptive pill contains estrogen and a progestin; colloquially known as "the pill".
• The progestogen-only pill, colloquially known as "the minipill".

For perfect use (regular use according to the prescriber's instructions), it is 99% effective. For typical use, it is 91% effective, primarily due to non-adherence with the recommended daily dosing regimen. Side effects of the pill may include headache, dizziness, nausea, sore breasts, mood changes, acne (though it may also help reduce acne, along with certain types of cancer and other sources of medical risk), and bloating.

One pill offers the benefit of only having to be taken once a week:

• Ormeloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator

Emergency contraception pills ("morning after pills") are taken at the time of intercourse, or within a few days afterwards:

• Levonorgestrel, sold under the brand name Plan B
• Ulipristal acetate
• Mifepristone and misoprostol, when used in combination, are more than 95% effective during the first 50 days of pregnancy.

• 男性用経口避妊薬は市販されていないが、いくつかの種類が研究開発段階にある。