Dear Sunshinejs,

A woman is protected against pregnancy during the week she takes reminder pills — pill protection lasts all month long.

Combination pills come in 28-day or 21-day packs. In the 28-day pack, 21 pills are "active" — they contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. The last seven pills in the pack of combination pills are called "reminder" pills. They do not contain hormones. However, it's a good idea to take the reminder pills so you stay in the habit of taking the pill every day.

Used correctly — taken at the same time each day, every single day — the pill is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.