- Birth control pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, or the release of a woman's eggs. If an egg is not released, sperm cannot join with it, and pregnancy cannot happen.
- The birth control pill is taken by swallowing a pill once a day, every day, at the same time of day, without skipping pills.
- When taken properly, the birth control pill is highly effective, and less than 1 in 100 such women will become pregnant each year. For normal use (that is, not always taken as directed), 8 out of 100 women will become pregnant each year.
- The birth control pill is convenient, and many women feel it allows them more spontaneity in their sex lives compared with other methods. Other benefits may include lighter periods, reduced menstrual cramps and reduced acne.
- In rare cases, the use of birth control pills can cause serious problems such as blood clots, heart attack or stroke. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of these conditions, so women should always talk with their doctors.
