Opill is a daily birth control pill that contains only one hormone: norgestrel, a type of progestin. It does not contain estrogen, which makes it a suitable option for people who can’t or prefer not to take estrogen-based contraceptives.
Effectiveness: About 98% effective when taken at the same time every day.
Start time: It begins working within 48 hours of the first dose. During this time, a backup method (like condoms) should be used.
Missed doses: If you miss a pill or take it more than 3 hours late, use a backup method for the next 48 hours.
Usage: One pill is taken each day at the same time. Reminders can help avoid missed doses.
Opill is available in one-month and three-month supplies and can be taken by a wide range of individuals, including those who are breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, or are smokers.
Note: This pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is not intended for emergency contraception.
Pads, also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins, are rectangular absorbent products worn inside underwear to collect menstrual blood.
Some pads include wings, which fold over the sides of underwear to help keep the pad in place and reduce leaking.
"Light" pads typically hold about 3–4 milliliters of fluid and are best for lighter flow days.
Pads should be changed every 3 to 4 hours, even with a light flow, to prevent odor and reduce the risk of bacteria buildup.
If your flow is heavier, you may need to change them more often to avoid leaks.
Tampons absorb blood from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's compressed into a small tube. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies for heavier and lighter periods.
Tampons held between 20 and 34 ml, depending on the brand and flow rating, and “heavy” pads, which advertised 10- to 20-ml capacity, could hold up to 52 ml. Using two or more tampons that absorb 20 ml of blood within a two-hour time frame is considered a heavy flow.
Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. The first time you use a tampon, try to do so on a heavier flow day. This will make the tampon slip in easier.
Change a tampon every 4–6 hours or when it's saturated with blood. If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can.
Emergency contraception is a short-term method used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
One common form is the morning-after pill, which is not the same as regular, ongoing birth control. It’s meant for occasional use in emergency situations—not as a daily contraceptive method.
Pills that contain levonorgestrel (a type of progestin) are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner it's taken, the more effective it is.
Note: Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it won’t end an existing pregnancy.