Oral Contraception

Oral CONTRACEPTION

Oral contraception, commonly known as the birth control pill, is a medication taken daily to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Most oral contraceptives contain synthetic forms of estrogen, progestin, or both, which primarily work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to make implantation less likely. First introduced in the mid-20th century, oral contraception has become one of the most widely used methods of birth control worldwide, though it is also prescribed for non-contraceptive reasons such as regulating menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual pain, and managing certain hormonal conditions.

When taken as directed, oral contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. With perfect use, meaning the pill is taken consistently at the same time every day, effectiveness exceeds 99%. With typical use, which accounts for missed or late pills, effectiveness is about 91%, making oral contraception a reliable option for many women while still requiring consistent daily adherence to achieve maximum protection.

Oral contraception is not a single, uniform medication but a broad category that includes many different brands and formulations. These pills vary in their hormone composition, dosage levels, and dosing schedules, which can influence how they function in the body and how individuals respond to them. Some pills contain a combination of hormones, while others rely on a single hormone, and each brand is designed with specific mechanisms and clinical considerations in mind. Understanding these differences helps clarify why certain oral contraceptives are prescribed over others and sets the foundation for examining how individual brands work.

Sprintec®

Sprintec® is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing norgestimate (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It is taken once daily, typically in a 28-day cycle (21 active pills + 7 inactive pills).

Primary functions

Contraception
- Suppresses ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
- Alters the endometrial lining to reduce implantation
Estrogen–progestin oral birth control option
User-controlled, reversible contraception

Secondary functions

Menstrual regulation
- More regular, predictable cycles
- Reduced menstrual flow
Pain and symptom relief
- Decreases dysmenorrhea
- May improve PMS symptoms
Hormonal benefits
- Improves acne (FDA-approved for acne treatment)
Non-contraceptive health benefits
- Lowers risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers

Yaz® is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing drospirenone (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It’s taken once daily in a 24/4 regimen (24 active pills + 4 inactive pills), which shortens the hormone-free interval.

Primary functions

Contraception
- Suppresses ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
- Alters the endometrial lining to reduce implantation
Estrogen–progestin oral birth control option
User-controlled, reversible contraception

Secondary functions

Menstrual regulation
- Shorter, lighter withdrawal bleeding
- Improved cycle control due to shorter hormone-free interval
Pain and symptom relief
- Decreases dysmenorrhea
Hormonal benefits
- Improves acne (FDA-approved)
- Treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (FDA-approved)
Antiandrogenic & antimineralocorticoid effects
- May reduce bloating and water retention
Non-contraceptive health benefits
- Lowers risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers

Yasmin® is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing drospirenone (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It’s taken once daily, typically in a 28-day cycle (21 active pills + 7 inactive pills).

Primary functions

Contraception
- Suppresses ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
- Alters the endometrial lining to reduce implantation
Estrogen–progestin oral birth control option
User-controlled, reversible contraception

Secondary functions

Menstrual regulation
- More regular, predictable cycles
- Reduced menstrual bleeding
Pain and symptom relief
- Decreases dysmenorrhea
- May improve PMS symptoms
Hormonal benefits
- Improves acne
- Helps with symptoms of PMDD (FDA-approved for PMDD)
Antiandrogenic & antimineralocorticoid effects
- May reduce bloating and water retention
Non-contraceptive health benefits
- Lowers risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers

Apri® is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing desogestrel (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). It’s taken once daily, usually in a 28-day cycle (21 active pills + 7 inactive pills).

Primary functions

Contraception
- Suppresses ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
- Alters the endometrial lining to reduce implantation
Estrogen–progestin oral birth control option
User-controlled, reversible contraception

Secondary functions

Menstrual regulation
- More regular, predictable cycles
- Reduced menstrual flow
Pain and symptom relief
- Decreases dysmenorrhea
- May improve PMS symptoms
Hormonal benefits
- May improve acne
Non-contraceptive health benefits
- Lowers risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers

Junel Fe® is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing norethindrone acetate (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), plus iron (ferrous fumarate) in the placebo pills. It’s taken once daily in a 28-day cycle.

Primary functions

Contraception
- Inhibits ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
- Alters the endometrial lining to reduce implantation
Estrogen–progestin oral birth control option
User-controlled, reversible contraception

Secondary functions

Menstrual regulation
- More predictable cycles
- Reduced menstrual bleeding
Pain and symptom relief
- Decreases dysmenorrhea
- May improve PMS symptoms
Hormonal benefits
- Can help improve acne
Non-contraceptive health benefits
- Lowers risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers

Resources:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-contraceptives