Oral contraceptive pill

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.

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. This study also specifically mentioned that it is the estrogen that plays the role regarding the development of breast cancer, while the role for progestin is still unclear.

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

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.

Male

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

References

References

1. Lackie E, Fairchild A. The birth control pill, thromboembolic disease, science and the media: a historical review of the relationship. Contraception. 2016 Oct;94(4):295-302. {{doi. 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.06.009. Epub 2016 Jun 22. PMID 27343747.
2. (2017-12-07). "Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer". New England Journal of Medicine.
3. (2022-10-01). "Hormonal contraception and risk of breast cancer and breast cancer in situ among Swedish women 15–34 years of age: A nationwide register-based study". The Lancet Regional Health - Europe.
4. (2017-12-07). "Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer". New England Journal of Medicine.
5. (October 2022). "Oral Contraceptives, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Stroke Risk". Stroke.
6. (2023-06-12). "Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression". Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences.