Oral contraceptive pill

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.^{[ 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] [ 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] [ 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] [ non-primary source needed ]}

Male

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

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. Mørch, Lina S.; Skovlund, Charlotte W.; Hannaford, Philip C.; Iversen, Lisa; Fielding, Shona; Lidegaard, Øjvind (2017-12-07). "Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer". New England Journal of Medicine. 377 (23): 2228–2239. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1700732. hdl: 2164/15157 . ISSN   0028-4793.
3. Niemeyer Hultstrand, Jenny; Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina; Kallner, Helena Kopp; Lindman, Henrik; Wikman, Per; Sundström-Poromaa, Inger (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. 21 100470. doi:10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100470. ISSN   2666-7762. PMC   9340531 .
4. Mørch, Lina S.; Skovlund, Charlotte W.; Hannaford, Philip C.; Iversen, Lisa; Fielding, Shona; Lidegaard, Øjvind (2017-12-07). "Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer". New England Journal of Medicine. 377 (23): 2228–2239. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1700732. hdl: 2164/15157 . ISSN   0028-4793.
5. Johansson, Therese; Fowler, Philip; Ek, Weronica E.; Skalkidou, Alkistis; Karlsson, Torgny; Johansson, Åsa (October 2022). "Oral Contraceptives, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Stroke Risk". Stroke. 53 (10): 3107–3115. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.038659.
6. Johansson, T.; Vinther Larsen, S.; Bui, M.; Ek, W. E.; Karlsson, T.; Johansson, Å (2023-06-12). "Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression". Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 32 e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525. ISSN   2045-7979. PMC   10294242 . PMID   37303201.