The Pill

The pill, also called oral contraception, is a pill you take every day to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor should tell you which pill is better for you. You will need one package of pills for every month.  It contains forms of the two hormones estrogen and progesterone that a woman¹s body makes naturally to control monthly periods and the ability to get pregnant. The extra hormones in the pill keep you from being able to get pregnant. Contraceptive Pills thicken the cervical mucus and prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg. They prevent any fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus.

How effective is it?

The pill is from 95 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy if it is used exactly as instructed. It does not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases though. Condoms must be used to protect against the STDs if you are at risk.

What are the PROS and CONS?

PROS:

• No interruption during intercourse.
• Your periods will be very regular
• You may have less menstrual cramping, a lighter flow and less acne
• Some protection against cancers of the ovary and uterus
• Reduced risk of ectopic pregnancy

CONS:

•   You have to take it every day.

Rarely, there are serious health risks, especially with women over 35 years old who smoke or are over weight.

• You may have some spotting between periods
• Possible weight gain or weight loss
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Depression
• Does not protect from STD,
  

Adapted from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/