Wellness

Opill and the WNBA Have Broken Down Birth Control Barriers Through Basketball and Beyond

By PureWow Editors

Published Sep 10, 2025

Being in control of your body shouldn’t come with extra hoops to jump through. Whether you’re an athlete, a student, a busy professional—or all three—you deserve birth control that fits your life, not the other way around. That’s where Opill® comes in: the first OTC daily birth control pill you can get without a prescription. It’s safe, effective, and puts the decision-making back where it belongs—with you. Because taking care of your health should be simple, accessible and 100 percent on your terms.

And while Opill is changing the game when it comes to reproductive health, they’re also dedicated to helping you build confidence, strength and personal empowerment—which is exactly why they partnered with the WNBA. Opill and the WNBA previously collaborated on a program with the Black Women’s Health Imperative called “Level the Court” to reach students on college campuses nationwide, to both celebrate leaders and educate WNBA fans about Opill, the new option that’s making contraception more accessible in the U.S.

More recently, they teamed up with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx for a new partnership designed to increase awareness of reproductive health options, in which fans at the Target Center can see Opill-sponsored Lynx highlights—celebrating those moments that players “Control the Boards.”

“We are proud to say that our partnership with Opill, which tipped off at the beginning of this season, is rooted in destigmatizing the conversation around women’s reproductive health,” said Lynx President of Business Operations Carley Knox. “As with all our partners, Opill brings shared value alignment with the Lynx. In particular, emphasizing access and removing barriers to women’s health care.”

“For far too long, people had limited control over their birth control options,” said Leila Bahbah, U.S. Women’s Healthcare Lead at Perrigo, Opill’s parent company. “Celebrating when the Lynx ‘Control the Boards’ is a great way to remind fans that Opill is here, and its birth control that you control.”

Talk about a dream team. Curious how Opill works and if it’s right for you? We break it all down below.

How—and When—to Take It

You can start Opill on any day of your cycle, but if you’re switching from another oral contraceptive, vaginal ring or patch, start taking it the day after you stop the other method.3 If you’re planning to get pregnant, you can also stop using it at any time without finishing the pack.

For Opill to be most effective, you must take it within the same three-hour timeframe. Just swallow one pill at the same time every day.4 When used as directed, it starts working 48 hours after initiation. But reminder: like other birth control pills, Opill doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Side effects may also vary by individual. (See the Opill® Drug Facts for a full list of warnings and potential side effects.)

Where to Get It

One of the things we love most? Opill is incredibly accessible. It’s a convenient option for individuals without health insurance or frequent access to medical services and can be found in the aisles of most major pharmacies nationwide.5 It’s even available online. (Insert *praise hands* emoji here.) Order a single purchase or sign up for a subscription to have Opill delivered straight to your door. You can get a one-month, three-month or six-month subscription to make sure you get your next pack before you run out.

Bottom line: Opill puts you back in control—of your own choices, your own contraception and your own future. It’s there for you when and where you need it and gives you the ability to start and stop without compromising your health. And we, for one, think that deserves a huge round of applause.

Editorial Team

PureWow Editors

Editorial Team

Our editorial team works with a variety of writers and experts across all fields to produce thoroughly researched stories that resonate with you. Our mission is to be that well-informed best friend who's always got your back, whether you need advice on dealing with toddler tantrums or the best no-chafe workout shorts to buy.

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