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Combined Pill (Estrogen and Progestin)

Effectiveness:

• Typical use: 95%
• Perfect use: 99.9%
• Failure rate increased with: some medications, missed pills, taking pills late

 

Advantages:

• Are very safe and effective if taken correctly.
• May decrease menstrual cramps, the number of days and amount of menstrual bleeding.
• Decrease the chance of ovarian cysts.
• May protect you against ovarian and endometrial cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy by over 90 percent.
• Pills can be safely provided to young teens.
• The benefits of oral contraceptives for healthy, nonsmoking women at any age far outweigh the health risks of pregnancy.

Disadvantages:

• Possibility of reduced effectiveness in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
• Possibility of breakthrough bleeding or spotting any time in the first few cycles or anytime pills are missed
• Possibility of myocardial infarction, stroke, or venous thromboembolism in those women who already have risk factors.
• Do not protect you against HIV and other STD's