What Are the Best Short-Acting Contraceptives Available Today?

In today’s society, some women temporarily wish to avoid pregnancy and therefore consider using oral contraceptives for contraception. What are currently the best short-term (combined) oral contraceptives?

What Are Currently the Best Short-Term Oral Contraceptives?

Commonly used short-term oral contraceptives include Marvelon®, Yasmin®, and Diane-35®. These medications must only be taken under a physician’s supervision. Prior to initiating therapy, patients require comprehensive evaluations including liver and kidney function tests, pelvic ultrasound, breast examination, and cervical cancer screening—primarily to rule out cervical epithelial lesions or cervical cancer. Pelvic ultrasound is also performed to exclude uterine fibroids and endometrial pathology, while breast examination aims to exclude benign breast disease such as fibrocystic changes. Only after all these conditions have been excluded may short-term oral contraceptives be prescribed. Combined oral contraceptives should not be used for contraception or for treating menstrual disorders in women with hypertension or a predisposition to thrombosis.

Contemporary short-term oral contraceptives are all combined hormonal preparations. Their primary contraceptive mechanism is ovulation suppression, resulting in highly effective contraception. When used correctly, their efficacy exceeds 99%. Ovulation suppression also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, decreases the incidence of menstrual irregularities, and lowers the likelihood of endometrial pathology.

Short-term oral contraceptives: Begin on Day 5 of menstruation, taking one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day drug-free interval. Withdrawal bleeding typically occurs 1–2 days after stopping the pills; resume the next pack on Day 5 of the new cycle. It is recommended to take the pill at a consistent time each day—for example, every night before bed. If a dose is missed or delayed, take it as soon as possible and remain vigilant for potential pregnancy. We hope this information is helpful to you.