Oral contraceptive pills. Part I: Formulations, selection and common side effects

Development of hormonal contraception as a safe and effective means of birth control has evolved during the past 50 years. The first effective oral contraceptive pill was Enovid which was introduced by Searle in 1960. Now, low-dose OCP are the most popular reversible method of contraception. Some 50 million women worldwide and 10 million in the United States utilize them. Understanding effectiveness, side effects, complications, and benefits has led to substantial changes in these preparations. Part II of this article will be printed in the future. It will address serious complications and health benefits.