Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing synthetic analogs of sex steroids are considered the most effective and popular method of contraception worldwide. The low rate of hormonal contraceptive use is often because of the fear of side effects due to existing myths. Complex questions that most often arise among doctors and patients when choosing COCs include the risk of thrombosis and cancer, the effect on fertility after the use of COCs, the use of COCs in patients with COVID-19, etc. COCs are highly effective, well-studied, and pose minimal risks that are well understood, described in the labels, and can be avoided with proper use.

Since the first pill, there has been a significant evolution of hormonal contraception: low- and micro-dose drugs have appeared, drugs with components as close as possible to endogenous hormones have been developed, new dosage regimens and routes of contraceptive administration have been created. Modern combined oral contraceptives are not only used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but are also widely used to treat a number of gynecological and non-gynecological diseases. In recent years, two new combined oral contraceptives with folate supplementation have been developed. The main purpose of adding folate to contraceptives is the prevention of fetal malformations, which is ensured by an increase in the level of folate in the body of women of reproductive age against the background of contraception and after its withdrawal.

Due to the introduction of modern methods of contraception in Europe and, in particular, in Russia, the abortion rate has decreased significantly. This is largely due to the use of such a progressive method as hormonal contraception. However, the level of use of modern methods of contraception in Russia remains low, which is often due to fear of side effects and existing myths, especially in relation to hormonal contraception. Combined oral contraceptives are well studied, have a favorable profile of efficacy and safety, the risks of taking them are minimal and are reflected in the instructions for use. When properly prescribed, hormonal contraception is a reliable method of protection against unwanted pregnancy, which also has additional benefits, including therapeutic effects.