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Oral Contraceptives

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated: April 29, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Oral contraceptives -- also known as birth control pills -- are pills that prevent unplanned pregnancies. Most oral contraceptives are taken for 21 days and followed by 7 days of placebo pills, or simply a 7-day break from taking pills. During the 7 days of placebo or pill-taking break, menstruation normally occurs. Oral contraceptives come in estrogen / progesterone combinations, as well as in progestin-only pills. Progestin-only pills are sometimes called mini-pills.

Women who have unprotected sexual intercourse may be prescribed the morning after pill or emergency contraceptives.

Also Known As: The Pill, birth control pills
Examples: Oral contraceptives provide highly effective protection against unplanned pregnancy when taken exactly as prescribed.

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