Birth control pills are a kind of medicine with hormones. Birth control pills come in a pack, and you take 1 pill every day. The pill is safe, affordable, and effective if you always take your pill on time.

The birth control pill works by stopping sperm from joining with an egg (which is called fertilization).

The hormones in the pill stop ovulation. No ovulation means there’s no egg hanging around for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t happen.

The pill’s hormones also thicken the mucus on the cervix. This thicker cervical mucus blocks sperm so it can’t swim to an egg

• You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have sex.
• If you miss one or more pills, or start a pill pack too late, you may need to use another method of birth control, like a condom and spermicide

Some Side Effects

• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headache

Less Common Side Effects

• It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure.
• It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No.