Birth Control Pill

TeenHealthFX thanks you for asking your question. The birth control pill is considered a form of hormonal birth control as it can contains estrogen and/or progestin depending on the type.  The birth control pill does prevent ovulation (an egg cell being released from an ovary) from occurring.

The term conception refers to the process of becoming pregnant because of fertilization (when the sperm cell meets the egg cell). When there is prevention of ovulation and the egg is not released, then conception cannot occur.

Even though the birth control pill is very effective in preventing ovulation and pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. According to Planned Parenthood, if you use it perfectly, the pill is 99% effective meaning less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. However, people aren’t perfect and it’s easy to forget or miss pills — so in reality the pill is about 91% effective. That means about 9 out of 100 pill users get pregnant each year.

In addition, TeenHealthFX recommends that all sexually active teenagers use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can protect from sexually transmitted infections and should be used in addition to another form of birth control like the pill for best protection against pregnancy and STI’s.

If you are sexually active, TeenHealthFX encourages you to schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or OB/GYN to determine which method of birth control best suits your body and personal preferences. He or she will also be able to answer any questions you may have. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist.