What is The Pill?
Combined birth control pills contain two hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They work by stopping ovulation (release of an egg) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Among typical couples who initiate use of combined pills about 8% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This is because sometimes pills are not used correctly. If pills are used consistently and correctly, just three in 1,000 women will become pregnant. Use a backup contraceptive for the first 7 days of your first pack of pills. You do not need to use a backup method during the hormone-free days of your pill pack.
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