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Articles on Oral contraceptive pill

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Within weeks, for the first time in the U.S. consumers will be able to find a birth control pill on retail shelves. Bill Oxford/iStock via Getty Images

Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, will be on shelves soon − here are some key things to know

Once available, Opill will be the most effective form of nonprescription birth control on the market. But you should still speak with your health care provider about any questions.
Like natural hormones, known as endogenous hormones, the artificial hormones contained in the pill, known as exogenous hormones, can have effects on the brain. (Shutterstock)

The contraceptive pill also affects the brain and the regulation of emotions

Oral contraceptives modify the menstrual cycle. What’s less well known is that they also reach the brain, particularly the regions important for regulating emotions.
The progestin-only pill Opill could be available in early 2024. Kwangmoozaa/iStock via Getty Images

FDA approves first daily over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill – a pharmacist and public health expert explain this new era in contraception

With the approval of the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive, pharmacists stand to play an ever-increasing role in helping expand access to reproductive health care in the post-Roe era.
The over-the-counter birth control pill will not require medical examinations or prescriptions prior to purchase. Sergey Mironov/Moment via Getty Images

With over-the-counter birth control pills likely to be approved, pharmacists and pharmacies could play an ever-increasing role in reproductive health care

Some states already allow pharmacists to provide birth control to patients with a prescription. But FDA approval of an over-the-counter birth control pill could greatly expand access.
It can be more convenient getting a script from a pharmacist rather than visiting your GP. Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

The evidence shows pharmacist prescribing is nothing to fear

Prominent GP and former MP Kerryn Phelps has weighed into the doctor-pharmacist turf war, saying pharmacists shouldn’t prescribe because of their financial interests. But the evidence says otherwise.
More women would favour the pill over less reliable forms of contraception if it was available without prescription. Image Point Fr/Shutterstock

Over-the-counter contraceptive pill could save the health system $96 million a year

New modelling shows skipping the need for a doctors’ prescription and going straight to a pharmacist for the pill could save the health system A$96 million a year and improve women’s health outcomes.
Women with endometriosis need evidence-based information to make informed choices about their treatment. Timothy Paul Smith

Considering surgery for endometriosis? Here’s what you need to know

Endometriosis is cut or vaporised with an electric current or laser. It ranges from a simple, 20 minute operation to complex surgery involving important organs such as the bowel and bladder.
When looking for the right pill, women want to weigh up the cost, safety, efficacy and side effects of the pill. NordWood Themes

How to choose the right contraceptive pill for you

There are more than 30 different types of contraceptive pills. But brand names such as Microgynon, Levlen, Yaz and Brenda give little indication of the ingredients, dose or who should use them.
Women commonly suppress their period around special events and holidays. Haley Phelps

It’s OK to skip your period while on the pill

Women on the pill are able to manipulate or suppress their menstrual cycles to have fewer “periods”, or to avoid bleeding at important or inconvenient times.

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