Oral contraceptives are the choice of most American women who use birth control, making them the most popular reversible contraceptives in the U.S. Oral contraceptives are among the most effective contraceptives. Failure rates are relatively low (9% with typical use) and are usually due to noncompliance.

Oral contraceptives also have the following advantages, which may vary depending on the type and brand used:

• Reduce menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and, therefore, reduce the risk of anemia
• Reduce dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual pain)
• May help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yaz is specifically approved for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (premenstrual depression).
• Improve acne
• Improve symptoms of endometriosis.

• Reduce risks of ovarian cysts
• Possible protection against bone loss with estrogen-containing oral contraceptives
• Reduce risks of ovarian and endometrial (uterine) cancers with long-term use (more than 3 years)

Disadvantages of Oral Contraceptives

Common Side Effects. Many women have some side effects during the first 2 - 3 months of birth control use. These side effects usually subside. Estrogen and progesterone have different side effects, and women on the combined pill may have different effects from those on the progestin-only pill.

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include:

• Nausea and vomiting (can often be controlled by taking the pill during a meal or at bedtime)
• Headaches (in women with a history of migraines, they may worsen)
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Weight gain

Newer formulations of combination pills that use low-dose estrogen, and newer progestins, may reduce and even lower the risk of many of these side effects, including weight gain.

Serious Side Effects. Symptoms of serious problems may include severe abdominal pain, chest pain, unusual headaches, visual disturbances, or severe pain or swelling in the legs. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Potential Risks. Combination birth control pills can increase the risk of developing or worsening certain serious medical conditions. The risks depend in part on a woman’s medical history. You should discuss your health history with your doctor to determine if combination oral contraceptives are safe for you. This is especially important for women who are age 35 or older, smoke, or have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or unhealthy blood lipid profile, diabetes, or migraine headaches.

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Birth Control Options for Women Introduction

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Birth Control Options for Women Implant Contraceptives

Review Date: 09/28/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)