Category: Contraception

Over 80% of young women using the pill have missed one or more pills within the first few months, highlighting a common challenge with daily routines. For this reason, knowing exactly **how late is classed as a missed pill?** is crucial for maintaining contraceptive efficacy and preventing unintended pregnancy.

Millions of people have used emergency contraceptive pills safely for over 30 years, with no reports of serious long-term complications. In the event of unprotected sex, many wonder: is the I pill safe for one time use? The short answer is yes, when used as directed.

According to the CDC, approximately 7 out of 100 typical users of progestin-only pills like norethindrone will become pregnant within the first year, highlighting the importance of correct usage. A common question for those considering this medication is: **Does norethindrone have estrogen?** The answer is no; the standard norethindrone oral contraceptive, often called the “mini-pill,” contains only the progestin hormone, not estrogen.

A review of 22 studies on progestin-only pills, like the new over-the-counter Opill, found that they cause minimal weight change for most users. Despite this, the concern, "Does the Opill cause weight gain?", remains a significant consideration for many people when choosing a contraceptive method.

Approximately 47 million people in the United States currently use contraception, and many will switch methods at some point. Understanding what happens when you switch to a new birth control is essential for a smooth transition and continued protection.

Unlike older progestogen-only pills, desogestrel reliably prevents ovulation in over 97% of menstrual cycles. This means that for most women, taking desogestrel effectively prevents the release of an egg, unlike some traditional mini-pills that primarily thicken cervical mucus.

While on the progestogen-only pill desogestrel, approximately 20% of users experience amenorrhea, or a complete stop of their periods. The question, **do I still get my period on desogestrel**, therefore has a varied answer, as many also experience unpredictable bleeding patterns.

With perfect use, the desogestrel-only pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, understanding what is the failure rate of desogestrel with typical, day-to-day use is crucial for maximizing its contraceptive effectiveness.

Studies show that about 83% of women who stop contraception get pregnant within the first year [1.3.4]. So, how long are you protected after stopping desogestrel? Protection ceases almost immediately, and fertility can return very quickly [1.2.1, 1.2.4].

While containing no active hormones, placebo pills serve important functions within a birth control regimen. Taking a pill daily, even a placebo, helps maintain a consistent routine, reducing the risk of missing active pills. This consistent habit is key to the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.