First approved by the FDA in 1960, birth control was legalized for married couples in 1965, and then for people everywhere-regardless of marital status-in 1972. Since 1982, the pill has become one of the two most commonly used methods of birth control (next to female sterilization), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the , four out of five sexually experienced women have reportedly used it at one point or another. And if these women are using it perfectly (well get into that later), only 9 out of every 100 will experience an unintended pregnancy.

But what exactly is in the pill, and how does it work to prevent pregnancy? We connected with top experts to get the deets, as well as answers to some of the most common birth control pill questions.

Cool. So, last thing: How do I make the pill work best for me?

Your goal should be to take the pill at the exact same time every day-or at least within a one hour window. The less precise you are with when you take your pill, the less effective that pill becomes, Dr. Shirazian cautions.

Need a little help remembering to take your pill? Try setting an alarm on your phone, getting a pill-reminder app , or taking it when you complete a daily task, like brushing your teeth or washing your face.