Dear jsb17,

Birth control pills come in many different colors, from plain white to pink, yellow, orange, or green. The meaning of each color differs from brand to brand.

Typically, a 28-day pack of birth control pills includes seven inactive pills that are a different color from the rest of the pack. These pills are "reminder" pills and contain no active hormones.

Some types of birth control pills have "phases" that are color-coded to indicate different hormone levels. Depending on brand, each phase may last anywhere from five to 10 days. A 28-day pack of "tri-phasic" pills, for instance, will have four different colors of pills — one color for each the three weeks of active pills and a fourth color for the week of inactive pills.

If a woman is using birth control pills as emergency contraception, it's very important to pay attention to the color of pills used. Consult this chart for specific information about colors and dosage.

The pill is available to teens at Planned Parenthood health centers. To find a clinic near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN or check out Clinic Connections.

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.