"The Pill" is the most popular method of birth control, and has been used for over 30 years. The pill uses a combination of estrogen and progesterone, normally found in the female body, to prevent an egg from being released from the ovary. It also thickens the cervical mucus lining to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Pills come in 21 or 28 day packs. The 28-day packs have 21 "active" pills containing hormones, and 7 "reminder" pills. You will begin menstruation during the 3rd or 4th "reminder" pill. The pill is not as effective if it’s not taken at the same time each day. The pill is a good choice if you want a reversible, convenient method of birth control. Cigarette smoking while on oral contraceptives, especially in women over age 35, increases the risk of heart, blood, and vessel problems.

Effectiveness = 99% or greater when taken correctly