The combination of ethinylestradiol with a progestogen is the most reliable drug for contraception. It is most likely insignificant whether the combination is taken as a fixed mixture (single phase pill) or as a graduated preparation (progestogen dose increased in two to three steps). The following 'side-effects' of oral contraceptives are considered beneficial: reduction of ovarian and endometrial carcinoma (by 40% each), fewer ectopic pregnancies, risk of salpingitis reduced by 50%, fewer fibrocystic breast alterations, decreased blood loss in menstruation, and an advantageous influence on dysmenorrhea.

Advantages and disdvantages have been documented mainly for the older preparations (with levonorgestrel or norethisterone). Specialists nowadays predominantly prefer the newer progestogens (desogestrel, gestodene, norgestimate). The advantages that work in favour of these preparations are the good cycle control, the absence of androgenic effects, and a well balanced effect on the blood lipids.

The combination of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel is also used in emergencies for postcoital contraception (the 'morning after pill').

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