Title: Introduction
Course: Level 3 - Family Planning > Section: Oral contraceptive methods

Oral contraceptives also known as birth control pills are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control. Two types of female oral contraceptive pill, taken once per day, are widely available: combined oral contraceptive pill contains oestrogen and progestin and the progestin-only pill.

Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when made correctly; it is up to 99.9% effective. However, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).Oral contraceptives contain a small amount of man-made oestrogen or progestin or both hormones. These hormones work to inhibit the body's natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy

In this study session, you will learn about the concept, types and mechanism of action of oral contraceptive pills, their effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages, common side-effects, and the management of the side-effects of this method.