Two synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestogen, in pill form (there are now over 50 varieties on the market).

HOW IT WORKS Prevents ovaries from releasing eggs and alters cervical mucus to block sperm.

PROTECTION 24/7 protection after you've gone through one Pill course.

BABY-PROOFING ABILITIES 97 percent.

STD-PROTECTION None.

SIDE EFFECTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Upside: makes periods more regular, decreases menstrual cramping and PMS, reduces risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Downside: causes breast tenderness, headaches, possible nausea/depression.

CAN IT RUIN THE MOMENT? No.

HASSLE FACTOR Low. You must remember to take it daily.

PLEASURE BAROMETER Some women report higher libido, some have more vaginal dryness--your call.

BAD HABIT PENALTIES Can't be used by women who smoke or have a family history of high blood pressure or heart problems. Can be unreliable for the rest of the month if missed even once or if you're sick.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS There are three different kinds of combined Pills:
Monophasic/21-day Pill. This is the most common. You take one Pill a day for 21 days then no Pills for the next seven days. Each Pill has the same amount of hormone in it.
Phasic Pills. You have two or three sections of different colored Pills in the pack. They contain different amounts of hormone so you must take them in the right order. You take one Pill a day for 21 days, then no pills for the next seven days.
Everyday Pill. You take one pill a day for 28 days with no break between packets. There are 21 active Pills and seven inactive Pills that don't contain any hormones. You must take these Pills in the right order.