Clinical recommendation	Evidence rating	References	Comments
Hormonal birth control may be started at any point in the menstrual cycle. Taking the first pill immediately after requesting birth control enhances continuation rates.	C	8	Prospective study of 250 women who requested oral contraceptives
Hormonal birth control may be started without a recent Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test. Lack of a Pap smear before initiation or renewal of oral contraceptives does not increase the risk of cervical neoplasia.	C	25	Retrospective study with 400 participants in each group