Short-acting, reversible oral contraceptive containing estrogen and progestin.
Pregnancy rate in first year with typical use (with perfect use) Overview of different types of hormonal contraceptives Because of the complications associated with hormonal contraceptives, their use is contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions and histories, e.g., significant hypertension, ischemic heart disease, venous thromboembolism, and stroke. These include bothersome symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, bloating, and breakthrough bleeding as well as medical emergencies such as venous thromboembolism. The decreased total hormone doses of multiphasic OCs mitigate certain associated side effects and risks. In combination monophasic OCs, the dose of estrogen and progestin remains constant, while in combination multiphasic OCs it varies over the course of one cycle. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are the most common form of hormonal contraception, but other forms of hormone delivery, including patches, injections, and implants, also exist. Progestin also makes implantation less likely, as it causes a thickening of cervical mucus, a decrease in tubal motility, and the inhibition of endometrial proliferation. Without an LH surge, ovulation does not occur. The contraceptive effect is mediated by negative feedback at the hypothalamus, ultimately leading to reduced pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH) and luteinizing hormone ( LH) secretion. Hormonal contraceptives involve the use of estrogen and progestin analogs to prevent pregnancy.