Nearly all women can use oral contraceptives (including combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only oral contraceptives, and emergency contraceptives) safely and effectively.  The guidelines and handbooks included in this section of the Toolkit offer health care professionals the latest guidance on providing oral contraceptives, including:

• who can use oral contraceptives and when;
• instructions for correctly using oral contraceptives and what to do if one misses a pill;  
• any potential side effects, health benefits or health risks related to using oral contraceptives; and
• strategies for overcoming medical barriers to the provision of oral contraceptives.