Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved OPill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill. And it still has plenty of people’s attention. 

According to Dr. Kelly McCluskey-Erskine, OPill is a safe and reliable option for most. Still, anyone considering whether to take an OTC birth control like OPill should understand what it is. 

What is OPill? 

OPill (norgestrel) is a progesterone-only birth control pill that can be bought at drugstores without a prescription. 

Dr. McCluskey-Erskine notes that OPill is not emergency contraception. It is taken daily to prevent pregnancy and, for some, manage painful and heavy periods. 

Unlike combination birth control pills, which contain both progesterone and estrogen, OPill has little to no risk of blood clotting. This makes it a safe option even for those who have hypertension or a family history of blood clots, which “are reasons why we don’t give [these] patients birth control with estrogen in it,” Dr. McCluskey-Erskine says. 

But there are other side effects to watch for when taking OPill. 

Possible side effects 

Because OPill uses only progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone), which thins the uterine lining, the most common symptom is breakthrough bleeding or “spotting” between periods. 

“Sometimes, if you have a lot of breakthrough bleeding,” Dr. McCluskey-Erskine says, “having a pill with estrogen in it can be helpful.” 

Other symptoms, although uncommon, include

• Headaches 
• Breast tenderness 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea 

If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your OB-GYN. 

Not a replacement for annual visits 

Even if you don’t experience any side effects, scheduling annual visits with your provider is still important. Regular visits allow you to establish a baseline for your health and give you the chance to discuss medications with your doctor. They also help prevent or catch diseases early, such as cancer. 

“We talk about family history and make sure you’re getting the cancer screenings you need,” Dr. McCluskey-Erskine says. 

But most importantly, regular visits with your OB-GYN mean there’s someone in your corner you know you can trust with your health. 

“It gives you the opportunity to become comfortable talking to a physician about a personal topic.” 

OTC birth control is a safe and accessible option for most people. But even if you no longer need a prescription, you still need your OB-GYN.