Ovcon Uses

Women primarily use Ovcon for preventing pregnancy. However, healthcare providers may also recommend off-label Ovcon uses, such as treating heavy menstrual bleeding, painful menstrual periods, and irregular menstrual periods. Ovcon is approved for use only in adult and adolescent females who have started their menstrual periods. The drug works to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, as well as by altering the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus.

 

What Is Ovcon Used For?

Ovcon® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill, also known as an oral contraceptive (or simply "the pill"). It comes in two different strengths -- Ovcon 35 and Ovcon 50. Ovcon 50 contains more norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol than Ovcon 35.
 

Ovcon for Birth Control

Birth control pills are a popular form of contraception, for some very good reasons. Like most birth control pills, Ovcon is easy to use, very effective, and also offers the following benefits:
 
  • Regular, predictable menstrual periods
  • Less menstrual pain
  • Lighter menstrual bleeding
  • A decreased risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).
     
Fortunately, women have a variety of different birth control options available to them today. No one birth control method is right for all women, and each particular method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are easier to use than others, and some are more effective than others. Some of the most commonly used birth control methods include:
 
  • Combined hormonal contraceptives (which contain a progestin and an estrogen) -- Most birth control pills, patches, and rings
     
  • Progestin-only contraceptives -- Some birth control pills ("mini-pills"), injections, and implants
     
  • Periodic abstinence, sometimes known as natural family planning or the rhythm method -- Avoiding intercourse during the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle
     
  • Barrier contraceptives -- Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and various other methods that physically block the sperm from entering the uterus
     
  • Spermicides -- Foams, jellies, gels, suppositories, and inserts
     
  • Withdrawal -- Removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation
     
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) -- Implanted devices that are both very effective and reversible
     
  • Surgical sterilization -- Tubal ligation (getting your "tubes tied") or a vasectomy (for men).
     
Ovcon falls into the category of combined hormonal contraceptives, as it contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Birth control pills are often a great contraceptive choice for many women. However, combined hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots and other problems, and not all women should take combined hormonal contraceptives (see Ovcon Warnings and Precautions for more information).
 
As with almost all methods of birth control, combined hormonal contraceptives must be used correctly and consistently, otherwise they are much less effective. Importantly, Ovcon does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In many situations, it is advisable to use condoms in addition to Ovcon, in order to prevent the transmission of STDs.
 
(Ovcon Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;