• Birth Control Options for Women - Oral Contraception
• Highlights
• Introduction
• Implant Contraceptives
• Injected Contraceptives
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
• Spermicidal and Barrier Contraceptives

Oral Contraceptives and Combination Hormonal Methods

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are available only by prescription and come in either a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Many brands of each form are available. Although both types are equally effective with typical use, the combined pill is more effective with perfect use, and most women choose this form. The birth control pill is the most popular form of contraception in the United States, used by more than...