Birth-control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are one of the best methods of preventing pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood, they have about a 1 percent failure rate if used correctly and about an 8 percent failure rate for women who miss a pill, take pills at different times each day or otherwise take them incorrectly.
Step 1
Visit a doctor to get a prescription for birth-control pills. Because birth-control pills come in different varieties and are available only by prescription, you need to discuss your options with your doctor. Some pills contain both progestin and estrogen, while others are progestin-only. Different varieties also come in different strengths.
Step 2
Schedule the time of day you'll take your pills. It's best to take birth-control pills at the same time every day. Some types are less effective if not taken 24 hours apart.
Step 3
Take the pills as directed by your doctor, according to the type of pill. Most pills will be taken daily for 21 or 28 days at a time, the number of pills in a single pack. The 21-day pills will be followed by seven days off, during which you'll take no pills. The 28-day pills will require starting a new pack the day after the last pack ends. Progestin-only pills are taken every day without a break.
Step 4
Use another method of birth control in addition to the pill for seven days after starting combination oral contraceptives for the first time. For progestin-only pills, protection begins after 48 hours. During these first days, the pill is not fully effective, and there is still a chance you could become pregnant if you don't use other forms of birth control. Condoms are a common choice during this time period.
Things You'll Need
- Birth-control pill prescription
- Condoms or other backup birth-control method
