Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine
Volume 18, Issue 12 , Pages 317-323, December 2008

Oral contraception

Jayita Biswas MBBS DFFP is a Staff Grade Doctor, Contraception and Sexual Health Service, Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Worcester, United Kingdom

Melanie Mann FRCOG FFSRH is a Consultant in Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare, Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, United Kingdom

Helen Webberley MBChB MFFP MRCGP is a GP with Special Interest in Sexual Health, UK

Abstract 

Oral contraception for women is available in two formulations; products containing both oestrogen and progestogen – combined oral contraceptives (COCs, the pill); and those containing progestogen alone – progestogen-only pills (POPs, the mini-pill). COCs first became available in the UK in 1961 and have become an extremely safe, effective and popular method of reversible contraception. They also have non-contraceptive health benefits. This article aims to outline the advantages and disadvantages of taking oral contraception and the important aspects of safe prescribing, focusing first on COCs and then outlining how POPs differ.

Keywords: combined oral contraception, oral contraception, progestogen-only contraception

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1751-7214(08)00179-6

doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2008.09.001

Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine
Volume 18, Issue 12 , Pages 317-323, December 2008

Article Tools