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According to the Kasier Family Foundation, a significant 77% of women support over the counter access to birth control, with the caveat that research confirms this medication to be effective and safe.

Millions of women nationwide use birth control. Some rely on the medication to prevent unwanted pregnancies, avoid painful menstrual cycles, manage PMS, etc.

For quite some time, there was talk about birth control being made available over the counter, but nothing truly materialized.

That all changed on Thursday, July 13, 2023. This is when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally approved the birth contorl pill known as Opill (norgestrel).

What to know about accessing birth control over the counter

Women using birth control, up until now, needed to recieve a prescription from a doctor. However, getting a prescription can consume extra time and serve as an added hoop that many women would like to avoid jumping through.

Thanks to the FDA, Opill will exist over the counter starting on the earlier side of 2024. It'll be in not just drug stores, but also grocery stores, online, and in convenience stores.

https://twitter.com/opill_otc/status/1679472552719073283

Futher news from the FDA reveals that more than three million pregnancies each year happen without women planning and/or wanting them. It's also the view of the FDA that with Opill made readily available, more women will have an easier time avoiding pregnancies they don't want.

More on Opill

The birth control pill's effectiveness is at its peak when taken properly.

This means one tablet should be consumed on a daily basis at the same time. Some women set alarms on their phones or other devices to remind them to take their birth control pills without fail.

Opill's effectiveness may decrease if a tablet is missed or not taken at the same time every single day.

Moreover, this form of birth control can lose effectiveness if women take other medications at the same time that work against Opill.

Adverse side effects of Opill likewise include the following:

• Bloating, cramps, abdominal pain
• Nausea, dizziness, headaches
• A heavier appetite
• Headaches
• Irregular bleeding

Women who currently have breast cancer or previously had breast cancer should steer clear of Opill.

The FDA's full announcement of over the counter Opill and things women should know before taking this form of birth control is available here.