4 The proportion of OCP users who are nonadherent ranges from as low as 14% missing ≥2 pills per month based on self-report, 8 to as high as 50% missing ≥3 pills in cycle three of use based on data from electronic monitors. Research estimates that 40% of OCP users are nonadherent with the daily pill-taking regimen. However, mistimed pills, poor understanding of instructions, and gaps in use are factors that account for the 9% risk of failure during the first year of use among typical users. 5, 6 With perfect use, OCPs have less than 1% risk of failure or unintended pregnancy. 4 Because OCPs are the most commonly used method and misuse is so common, a significant proportion of unintended pregnancies could be prevented with improved OCP compliance. 3Īpproximately 1.2 million unintended pregnancies each year in the USA are attributed to inconsistent or incorrect use of contraception. 2 This same age group generally demonstrates the highest rate of inconsistent contraceptive use and unintended pregnancy. 1 When compared with long-acting or permanent contraceptive methods such as intrauterine devices, contraceptive implants, or sterilization, OCPs are used more often among young women aged 18–24 years in the USA. 1 Nearly one in five women of reproductive age in the USA use OCPs, including 28% of current contraceptive users. OCPs are currently the most popular contraceptive method among American women, with 10.6 million users. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are widely used but incorrect and inconsistent use remain common.

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