oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)
“the pill”
Birth control pills are honestly one of the most empowering tools of our time!
Think about it: just one little pill a day has given millions of people the freedom to make their own choices about if and when they want to have kids, plus it’s been a game-changer for managing all kinds of health stuff, from painful periods to hormonal acne.
But here’s the thing—the far right has been trying to stir up fear and spread all sorts of myths about birth control for ages. They paint it as dangerous, when, actually, it's a total gift to those of us who want more control over our own bodies. So, yeah, birth control pills? Truly wonderful!
There are two main types of oral contraceptives:
Combination Pills:
Contents: Contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone).
Effectiveness: 91-99% effective with typical use.
Most frequently selected type of birth control pill
Tends to be the preferred option of birth control unless there are reasons why someone can’t have the estrogen
Progestin-Only Pills:
Contents: Contain only progestin, with no estrogen.
Effectiveness: 91-99% effective with typical use
Use Cases: Often prescribed for people who cannot take estrogen, such as those with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines with aura, those who are breastfeeding, or those with a history of clotting disorders.
Previously we only had the “mini pill” which required more consistent daily use at the same time each day and had more mood side effects but over the last few years Slynd has come to market as a great alternative with a longer half life (meaning not as sensitive to taking at same time daily) and lesser side effect profile.
Common Side Effects
Oral contraceptives are generally well-tolerated, but some individuals experience side effects.
These can vary by person and type of pill:
Nausea: Can be minimized by taking the pill with food or before bed.
Breast Tenderness: Often resolves after the body adjusts to the hormones.
Headaches or Migraines: Can be due to estrogen; lower-dose options may help reduce this. If occurs when starting on the pill, this can often resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Mood Changes: Some people may experience increased irritability or mood swings. Some people feel a stabilization of moods (decreased PMS)
Spotting or Breakthrough Bleeding: Common in the first few months as the body adjusts. Gets worse if you skip or miss a pill.
Weight Changes: While controversial, some people report changes in appetite and minor weight fluctuations.
Decreased Libido: Some people may experience changes in sexual drive.
Blood Clots: Rare but serious risk, associated with combination pills due to estrogen.
These side effects are typically mild and improve within a few months, but if they persist or are severe, a healthcare provider may suggest trying a different pill or adjusting the dosage.
Uses of Oral Contraceptives
Beyond Pregnancy Prevention
Oral contraceptives are used for so much more than just preventing pregnancy.
They have several additional medical benefits and are often prescribed for:
Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Pills can create more predictable cycles, helpful for individuals with irregular periods.
Managing Menstrual Symptoms: Pills reduce symptoms like cramps, bloating, and heavy bleeding.
Treating Hormonal Acne: Certain pills are effective for managing acne by lowering androgens that can contribute to breakouts.
Reducing Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Helps regulate periods, reduce androgen-related symptoms (like excess hair growth), and prevent endometrial hyperplasia.
Reducing Risk of Ovarian Cysts: Pills suppress ovulation, which reduces the formation of new cysts.
Managing Endometriosis Symptoms: By controlling hormone levels, pills can help reduce pain and suppress the growth of endometrial tissue.
Decreasing the Risk of Certain Cancers: Long-term use of combination pills has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Mood stabilization for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): For those with PMDD, a severe form of PMS, certain oral contraceptives help stabilize mood swings and emotional symptoms by regulating hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.
Birth control does so much more than prevent pregnancy—it’s a lifeline for managing health issues like painful periods, hormonal acne, and even mood swings from PMDD.
But a lot of legislators don’t realize that; they often think it’s just about contraception.
This narrow view can lead to restrictions that limit access, taking away an important healthcare tool that so many people rely on to feel their best.
