The OCP medical abbreviation means oral contraceptive pill, a hormone pill taken by mouth, usually once a day, to prevent pregnancy. The plural OCPs is common, and people often just say the pill or birth control pills.
OCP shows up in medication lists, gynecology and primary care notes, and the history part of almost any visit, because hormone pills can matter for other treatments and for clot risk. Clinicians may also prescribe them for reasons besides contraception, such as heavy or painful periods, irregular cycles or acne. You may also see the more specific terms COC, for combined oral contraceptive, and POP, for progestin only pill.
At a glance
Stands for
Oral contraceptive pillPlural or forms
OCPs; also written OCMain types
Combined (estrogen and progestin) and progestin onlyRelated terms
COC (combined pill), POP (progestin only pill)Where you see it
Medication lists, gynecology and primary care notesSpecialty
Gynecology, family medicine, adolescent health
What the OCP medical abbreviation covers
Oral contraceptive pills contain manmade versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone alone. They prevent pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass easily, and thinning the lining of the uterus.
OCP is a class name, like antibiotic. It does not tell you which pill or which strength. A chart that only says OCP daily is telling the reader that the person uses hormonal pills, and a full medication list will usually give the generic names, such as ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel or norethindrone alone.
Combined pills and progestin only pills
| Type | Hormones | Notes often seen in charts |
|---|---|---|
| COC, combined oral contraceptive | Estrogen plus a progestin | Packs may include hormone free or placebo days |
| POP, progestin only pill | Progestin alone | Sometimes called the minipill; taken every day without a break |
The two families differ in who can use them. Estrogen raises the risk of blood clots, so combined pills may not be chosen for people with certain conditions, such as some types of migraine, a past DVT or smoking at older ages. Progestin only pills avoid estrogen and are often an option in those cases.
How OCPs appear in a note
Primary care note: "Meds: OCP daily. LMP 10 days ago, regular cycles." The patient takes a daily birth control pill, and LMP, the last menstrual period, began ten days before the visit.
Gynecology plan: "AUB, start COC, recheck 3 months." Here AUB means abnormal uterine bleeding, and a combined pill is being used to manage it rather than mainly for contraception.
Before surgery, many forms ask about OCPs because estrogen can add to clot risk when someone will be less mobile.
Uses beyond preventing pregnancy
Clinicians also use oral contraceptives to make periods lighter, more regular or less painful, to manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, to treat some kinds of acne, and to ease endometriosis pain. In those notes OCP may be listed under treatment rather than contraception.
Some medicines can lower how well hormonal pills work, including the antibiotic rifampin and certain seizure medicines. That is one reason pharmacists ask about all medicines and supplements when filling a new prescription.
OCPs medical abbreviation and nearby terms
Students sometimes mix OCP with other contraceptive shorthand. IUD means intrauterine device, a small device placed in the uterus. DMPA refers to the progestin injection given every few months. The patch and the ring deliver similar hormones through the skin or the vagina and are not OCPs, though notes may group them as hormonal contraception.
For broader dosing and medication shorthand, see the prescription abbreviations section.
Contraceptive choices are personal and depend on health history. A prescriber, nurse or pharmacist can talk through options and answer questions privately.
Frequently asked questions
What does OCP stand for in medical terms?
OCP stands for oral contraceptive pill, the birth control pill. It covers both combined pills and progestin only pills.
Is OCP the same as COC?
Not exactly. OCP is the general term for any birth control pill, while COC means a combined oral contraceptive containing estrogen and a progestin. Every COC is an OCP, but a progestin only pill is an OCP that is not a COC.
Why do doctors ask if I take OCPs before surgery?
Estrogen containing pills can raise the risk of blood clots, especially when someone is less mobile after an operation. The surgical team uses the answer when planning clot prevention.
Are OCPs only used for birth control?
No. They are also used to manage heavy or painful periods, irregular cycles, acne and some hormone related conditions. The reason is usually written in the plan.