Tag: Opill

According to the FDA, Opill, the norgestrel-only birth control pill, was approved for over-the-counter sale in July 2023. A range of other brands containing norgestrel, a synthetic progestin, are also available by prescription as combination pills.

Changes in menstrual bleeding are one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Opill. As an over-the-counter progestin-only pill (POP), its effect on your cycle can differ significantly from combined hormonal contraceptives. So, does Opill make periods heavier?

With a 98% effectiveness rate with perfect use, the FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill Opill marks a significant shift in contraceptive access [1.6.1, 1.5.3]. This article provides a detailed answer to the crucial question: How safe is Opill for widespread use?

According to the FDA, Opill is considered to have a very low risk of causing blood clots, unlike combined oral contraceptives that contain estrogen. This makes it a safer option for many individuals who are concerned about this specific side effect. The answer to the question, 'Can Opill cause blood clots?', is reassuringly distinct from that of other hormonal birth control methods.

In clinical trials for the over-the-counter progestin-only pill Opill, acne was reported as a common side effect. The important question, 'Does norgestrel cause acne?', hinges on the hormonal dynamics of this type of medication and how it interacts with an individual's skin.

Norgestrel is a synthetic progestin that has been used in oral contraceptives since 1966 [1.7.6, 1.3.6]. So, what is another name for norgestrel? It is also known chemically as dl-norgestrel or by various brand names depending on its formulation and whether it's sold alone or with estrogen [1.3.6].

Almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies that occur in the U.S. annually are unintended, a major public health concern that points to significant gaps in contraceptive access. The landmark decision to make norgestrel OTC under the brand name Opill was the result of decades of safety data and a push to remove barriers to effective birth control.

Despite persistent concerns among users, clinical studies show limited evidence that progestin-only contraceptives like norgestrel cause significant weight gain. Any initial, temporary weight increase is often due to water retention, not fat gain, and typically resolves as the body adjusts.

An estimated 9 out of 100 women using progestin-only pills (POPs) typically get pregnant within the first year, emphasizing the need for consistent use. This article will explore which birth control pills are progestin only, detailing the different types, their unique features, and the advantages they offer for certain individuals who need to avoid estrogen.

Norgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, primarily works in the body by preventing pregnancy through several key mechanisms. It is a progestin-only contraceptive, often referred to as a 'mini-pill,' and has recently become available over-the-counter for the first time in the United States.