Abstract
24-day oral contraceptives are low-dose oral contraceptives that extend the active pill cycle from the traditional 21 days to 24 days. A 24-day regimen is associated with less breakthrough bleeding and shorter withdrawal bleeding periods. Extending the number of days with active pill taking results in less ovarian activity, a consequence of greater gonadotropin suppression during the pill-free interval. A reduction in ovarian activity can reduce the possibility of breakthrough ovulations and contraceptive failure.