Combined hormonal contraception.

This article discusses the different combined hormonal contraception methods. Combined methods, delivering both estrogen and a progestin simultaneously, are among the most effective, widely used hormonal contraceptive options. They also have the best noncontraceptive benefit profile for young women of all hormonal contraceptive options. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are described as the standard combined hormonal method and are discussed in detail. Newer combined hormonal contraceptive delivery systems, the transdermal patch, vaginal ring, and injectable form, are compared with OCPs in terms of pharmacology, efficacy, and adverse events. Advantages and disadvantages of all methods are emphasized, with particular attention to adolescent development and acceptability.