Birth Control Pills You take one pill at the same time every day. Missing a pill increases your chance of pregnancy. Pills are easy to take and are effective birth control that doesn't interrupt sex.
How: Birth control pills have hormones that prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg. When you stop taking the pill, you can get pregnant right away. When: You must take a birth control pill every day at about the same time of day. Where: You can get birth control pills from an OregonContraceptiveCare clinic. Effectiveness: 92% - 8 women out of 100 get pregnant the first year they use this method. See the 2010 Effectiveness Poster for more information. Advantages: Birth control pills are very easy to use. They work very well if they are used the right way. Periods may be more regular, lighter and less painful. The pill can help clear up acne. Women who have used birth control pills are at lower risk of ovarian, uterine and colorectal cancer later in life. Disadvantages: Birth control pills must be taken every day at about the same time of day to work well. Side effects: Most women have no major side effects from birth control pills. Some women have side effects that stop after a couple of months. If side effects don’t stop, you can try another kind of pill. Risks: Health risks increase in smokers’ age 35 or older. Birth control pills do not protect you from STDs and HIV/AIDS.