MODEL RELEASED. Contraceptive pills. Twenty one year old woman holding a blister pack of contraceptive pills. The contraceptive pill contains synthetic versions of one or both of the female sex hormones responsible for ovulation, the release of the female reproductive cell. The pill acts to suppress ovulation and effect changes in the reproductive organs to impede fertilisation and pregnancy. These pills are taken daily by mouth (orally). The numbers marked on the foil help to remind the user when the next pill is due to be taken.