combined oral contraceptive pill placebo

Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) placebos are inactive pills included in birth control pill packets that do not contain hormones. They are typically taken during the last week of a 28-day pill cycle after 21-24 days of active hormone pills. The purpose of placebo pills is to maintain the daily pill-taking routine while providing a hormone-free interval that induces withdrawal bleeding (which mimics a menstrual period). These pills often contain sugar (sucrose and lactose) and sometimes other nutrients like iron or folic acid. While taking placebo pills, contraceptive protection continues as long as the active pills were taken correctly.

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