A Guide To Opill As A Daily Contraceptive
You have many options for contraception, and Opill is an over-the-counter birth control pill. If you are looking for free contraception, Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project is a great source. We offer free birth control in Salt Lake City at our office at 1400 South 1100 East.
How Does Opill Work?
According to the manufacturer's website, Opill is a progestin-only contraceptive. The pill does not contain estrogen. The drug uses a synthetic version of progestin, which is naturally produced by your body.
When taken daily, Opill thickens the cervical mucus, blocking sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs in some cycles. This makes it an effective method for preventing pregnancy.
Like many oral birth control options, you must take Opill every day for it to be effective at preventing pregnancy. We recommend taking your dose at the same time every day to establish a consistent habit. Opill has a two-hour window for a missed dose. It may also be helpful to set a reminder alarm on your phone to take each dose.
Do I Need A Prescription For Opill?
If you are looking for a way to prevent pregnancy, you don’t need an Opill prescription. This contraceptive is available over the counter.
You generally don’t need a medical exam to begin taking Opill, but you should be aware of side effects and risks. We cover those potential risks later in this blog.
There are many contraception methods out there, and some of them require a medical exam. Birth control implants of various kinds require a doctor’s visit. This makes Opill a convenient birth control method for many people. Especially folks who may have limited access to health care providers.
Where To Access Opill in Salt Lake City
Our organization offers free contraception in Salt Lake City. This includes Plan B, an emergency contraceptive pill, commonly known as a morning-after pill. We also have both internal and external condoms. Opill protects against pregnancy but not STIs, so we recommend using condoms when you’re sexually active.
There is no age limit or prescription required to get a supply of free Opill in Salt Lake City from SHRP. We can offer folks a three-month supply each time you pick up, so you don’t have to come in monthly. We also offer an option to receive text reminders when it’s time to get your next batch of pills.
If you aren’t in Salt Lake City and are looking for a source for free Opill in Utah, you have options.
Here are some links to providers that offer free or low-cost contraception options.
Side Effects And Risks When Taking Opill
Opill is a safe and effective method of contraception for most people. If you have or have had cancer, or if you have untreated liver disease, you should consult with a doctor before starting this drug. It is also essential to take the pill daily and ideally at the same time each day.
Like many hormonal contraceptives, Opill side effects are generally rare. This is because the drug is a synthetic version of a natural hormone. The most common side effect is changes in your bleeding pattern.
Because the drug is a synthetic version of progestin, it may increase breast size. This is an important consideration, especially for transgender folks.
Some folks experience spotting or bleeding between periods while on the drug. Other folks may experience changes in the duration of their period. You may also notice that your periods become heavier or lighter.
Weight gain is not associated with taking Opill, and it is safe for people who have migraines. Mood changes or increased depression are not associated with using this form of birth control.
If you vomit or have diarrhea within four hours of taking your pill, the drug may not have been absorbed correctly. In that case, the manufacturer recommends using a condom or other barrier method. You should use these alternate methods for the next 48 hours.
There are a few potential interactions with the drug and other medications. Click here for more FAQs and information from the manufacturer.