User:Mr. Ibrahem/Combined birth control pill

Combined birth control pills (CBCPs), also known as combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) or the pill, is a type of birth control for women. Effectiveness with perfect use is about 0.3% while with typical use it is about 9%. Other uses include acne, PCOS, premenstrual syndrome, and endometriosis. It is taken by mouth, often for 21 days followed by a 7 day break; though may be taken continuously.

Side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, vaginal spotting, and headaches; but these will often resolve after a few months. Serious but rare side effects may include blood clots. It does not appear to affect body weight, overall risk of cancer, or the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Use is not recommended in those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, older women who smoke, and those with migraine with aura. It contains two hormones, a version of progestogen and a version of estrogen. It primarily works by altering the menstrual cycle to stop ovulation and thus prevent pregnancy.

CBCPs were first approved for use in the United States in 1960. They are used by around 150 million women globally as of 2019 (8% of women aged 15–49), and by about 10 million in the United States (14% of women aged 15–49). Rates of use vary by country and marital status. About 26% of women aged 15–49 in the United Kingdom use either the combined or progestogen-only pill (POP), compared with less than 3% in Japan. Two are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, specifically ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol/norethisterone. Cost in the United States is up to 50 USD per month while in the United Kingdom they are free to the individual. In low and middle income countries they cost about 11 USD per year. Availability helped bring about the sexual revolution.