An Update on Opill (Spoiler Alert: it’s Working!)
Remember hearing about an over-the-counter birth control method? Read below to see what it’s been doing!
It has been over a year since Opill, the first over-the-counter (we will refer to this as OTC) birth control pill in the U.S., hit store shelves! OTC means you do NOT need a prescription and can buy Opill at a store. And according to a new study covered by CNN Health, over-the-counter birth control pills are expanding access for people who’ve faced barriers to care.
Researchers found that over a quarter of people now using Opill weren’t using any birth control before. Many of these new users are uninsured, adolescents, or living in rural areas. These groups often face the biggest barriers to care.
Click here for the basics of Opill, pricing, and side effects
Why This Matters
Since the release of Opill as an OTC option, there has been a 31% increase in folks shifting from no contraceptive method to an effective birth control method!
Getting a prescription might be challenging for those who don’t have insurance, transportation, or a regular provider.
With Opill now available at stores like CVS and Walmart (and online) people can access birth control more easily than ever, no appointment needed!!
Opill also has discreet packaging, which is helpful for those who don’t want to share that they are using this prescription with others.
A Safe, Effective Option
Opill is a progestin-only pill, so it does not contain any estrogen! It’s up to 98% effective when taken daily and is safe for most people of reproductive age.
While it’s not for everyone (for example, people with certain health conditions or taking specific medications should check with a provider), it’s an important new choice for those who have had difficulty accessing contraception.
Closing the Gap
In Montana and across many parts of the U.S., many people live in contraceptive deserts. These are places with limited access to reproductive health providers. Options like Opill help close that gap, giving people more control over their reproductive health! Woohoo!
At Bridgercare, we’re all about expanding access. This might mean picking up Opill at a pharmacy or talking with a provider about what works best for your body. Just remember; you have options, and we'd love to chat with you about them!
Information in this post was adapted from CNN Health’s reporting by Jacqueline Howard (August, 2025).