Oral contraceptives, abbreviated 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]

Female

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 "minipill".

For perfect use, it is 99% effective, and typical use is 91% effective. Side effects of the pill include headache, dizziness, nausea, sore breasts, spotting, mood changes, acne, bloating, etc.Category:Wikipedia articles needing clarification from January 2025^{[clarification needed]}

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.

Side-effects:

Breast cancer: there are studies showing higher risk of breast cancer among current users of hormonal contraceptives (especially oral contraceptive pills) compared to non-users.^[2][3]Category:All pages needing factual verificationCategory:Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from July 2025^{[non-primary source needed]} This study also specifically mentioned that it is the Oestrogen that plays the role regarding the development of breast cancer, while the role for progestin is still unclear.^[4]Category:All pages needing factual verificationCategory:Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from July 2025^{[non-primary source needed]}

Stroke: stroke is considered another side-effect for hormonal contraceptives and more importantly oral contraceptives, more importantly in the first year of use.^[5]

Depression: evidence shows that use of oral contraceptives mainly during the first 2 years will increase the risk of depression. Although the risk is declining with continuation, there is still a higher risk of depression among ever users and non-users of oral contraceptives.^[6]Category:All pages needing factual verificationCategory:Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from July 2025^{[non-primary source needed]}

Male

• Male oral contraceptives are not available commercially, although several types are under research and development.

References

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