Progestin-Only Pills.................................................................... 25

y

using COCs over the first year. This means that 92 of every 100 women using COCs will not become pregnant.

When no pill-taking mistakes are made, less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women using COCs over the first year (3 per 1,000 women). Return of fertility after COCs are stopped: No delay Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs): None

Less effective

Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks

Side Effects (see Managing Any Problems, p. 17) Some users report the following: y Changes in bleeding patterns including: – Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding – Irregular bleeding – Infrequent bleeding – No monthly bleeding y Headaches y Dizziness y Nausea y Breast tenderness y Weight change (see Question 6, p. 22) y Mood changes y Acne (can improve or worsen, but usually improves)

Other possible physical changes: y Blood pressure increases a few points (mm Hg). When increase is due to

COCs, blood pressure declines quickly after use of COCs stops.

Why Some Women Say they Like combined Oral contraceptives

y y y

Are controlled by the woman Can be stopped at any time without a provider’s help Do not interfere with sex