A woman has certain queries as listed below, before starting with contraceptive pills. Answer them.
(a) What do contraceptive pills contain and how do they acts as contraceptive?
(b) What schedule should be followed for taking these pills?

(a) Contraceptive pills contain progesterone or estrogen or progesterone-estrogen combinations.
They functions as contraceptives by:

1. inhibiting ovulation
   
2. Inhibiting implantation
   
3. Altering the quality of the cervical mucus to prevent or stop the entry of sperms.

(b) The oral contraceptive pills are to be taken daily for 21 days, preferably within the first five days of the menstrual cycle.