The Pill

Method

A daily contraceptive pill for women that should be taken at the same time each day. It contains either a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin only. These pills work in several ways to protect a woman from becoming pregnant.

Success Rate

With typical use, 8 women in 100 (8%) become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 (less than 1%) will become pregnant in one year.

The Perks

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

Drag Factor

Offers no protection against STDs including HIV. Some women have nausea, headaches and changes in their moods. If you miss 2 or more daily pills during a cycle you should either abstain from sex or use a back-up method of contraception (like a condom). Each type of pill is different, so check with your doctor to learn more.

How To Get It

Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost is about $15 to $50 a month depending on the pill brand, plus the cost of the office visit. Whether you need parental consent for a prescription depends on your state, find more here. http://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_MACS.pdf