Method

A woman takes a pill that contains either a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin, or progestin only, every day. The pill works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm, and creating a thin uterine environment.

Success Rate

With typical use, five women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year.

Benefits

If taken correctly, the pill provides non-stop protection from pregnancy; can make a woman’s periods more regular, reduce cramps, and shorten or lighten a woman’s period.

Drawbacks

Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Side effects: nausea, headaches and moodiness. If you miss 2 or more daily pills during a cycle, or you are late starting a new cycle of pills, you should use a back-up method until you have taken seven consecutive pills.

How To Get It

Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost runs $15 to $40 a month depending on the pill brand, plus the cost of the visit to your health care provider.

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