The "pill," as it's known, has been around for more than
50 years, and doctors are still finding new ways to make it safer,
decrease undesirable side effects and up the protection that it offers
to the millions of women who take it. With dozens of birth control
options on the market, which kind of oral contraceptive is right for
you?
Some pills are known as bi- or tri-phasic pills, which means that each week contains a different amount of hormones. It is crucial to take these pills in the right order - they're usually color-coded for your convenience - and to make sure that you give yourself a seven-day menstrual break in between packs.
Monophasic pills, however, deliver the same amount of estrogen and progestin every day, meaning that you can safely skip the placebo pills and go right to the next pack. This allows you to skip a period or two, which can be great if you're going on vacation but not-so-great if you're prone to worrying that you're pregnant. (Just keep a few tests around if you know you'll freak out without your monthly reassurance.)
There is no evidence that any one kind of pill is more effective than any other when it comes to preventing pregnancy (and let us remind you, no pills prevent the spread of STDs and HIV - you'll need a condom for that). Experiment with different kinds of pills until you find the combo that works best for you.
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