Birth Control: Preventing Pregnancy And Empowering Reproductive Health

Birth control pills are a type of medicine with hormones that prevent pregnancy. They are also known as the pill. The pill is taken orally and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Birth control pills contain either a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin-only. The hormones in the pill prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the mucus on the cervix to block sperm, and changing the lining of the womb. In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can also provide other health benefits such as regulating periods, reducing acne, and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

Birth control stops the release of an egg from an ovary

Birth control pills are a type of medicine with hormones that prevent pregnancy. They are highly effective, with a 99% success rate when taken consistently every day.

The hormones in the pill prevent pregnancy by blocking conception, when sperm fertilizes an egg. This is done in a few ways, one of which is by stopping or reducing ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary.

Ovulation is controlled by hormones in the body. When a person takes birth control pills, the hormones in the pills inhibit the body's natural hormones, which usually trigger the release of an egg from the ovary. This means that there is no egg available for fertilisation, and pregnancy cannot occur.

The birth control pill is also known as "the Pill". It is taken orally and is one of the most popular forms of contraception. It is available in different types, including combination pills and progestin-only pills.

The combination pill is the most common type, containing both estrogen and progestin. These hormones work together to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also make changes in the cervix and uterus that lower the chance of pregnancy.

The progestin-only pill, also known as the mini pill, may also prevent the release of an egg. It works slightly differently to the combination pill, thickening the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot reach the egg.

In summary, birth control pills are an effective method of contraception that works by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary, among other methods.

It thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm

Birth control pills are a type of medicine with hormones that prevent pregnancy. They are taken orally and are 99% effective when taken consistently every day. There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both types of pills contain hormones that stop ovulation and change the cervical mucus to prevent fertilisation.

The cervical mucus, or cervical fluid, is produced in the endocervical canal and acts as a moderator within the reproductive tract. It either promotes or prohibits the passage of sperm through compositional changes that are responsive to the presence of hormones, specifically estradiol and progesterone.

The hormones in the birth control pill change the cervical mucus to a thicker consistency, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus and eventually reaching the egg. This thicker cervical mucus is similar in consistency to raw egg whites and acts as a 'sticky security guard', blocking the sperm's path.

The cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle, influenced by the body's hormones. Before ovulation, the mucus is thick, white, and dry, but as ovulation approaches, it turns clear and slippery, becoming an egg-white consistency. This egg-white consistency indicates fertility as it allows sperm to swim up to meet an egg more easily. However, when birth control pills are taken, the cervical mucus thickens and creates a barrier, blocking the sperm's path and preventing fertilisation.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills offer other health benefits, such as regulating periods, reducing acne, and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

It thins the lining of the uterus, preventing attachment

Birth control pills are a type of medicine with hormones that prevent pregnancy. They are taken orally and are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day.

The hormones in the pill safely stop ovulation. No ovulation means there is no egg for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can't happen. The pill's hormones also thicken the mucus on the cervix, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus and eventually reaching the egg.

In addition to these methods, the pill can also prevent pregnancy by thinning the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach and grow there. This is because the thickened lining of the uterus can no longer be maintained and is sloughed off.

The birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. It is also beneficial for treating other conditions such as menstrual pain, acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

It can be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome

Birth control pills can be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex condition that affects women of reproductive age and is characterised by irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can make getting pregnant difficult.

Hormonal birth control methods, such as combined oral contraceptives (COCs), can help rebalance a person's hormones and alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. COCs contain two hormones, usually estrogen and a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. By increasing estrogen levels and decreasing testosterone production, COCs can regulate the hormonal imbalances in PCOS. They can also help to reduce excessive male hormone (androgen) levels in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as acne, androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), and hirsutism (unwanted facial and body hair).

In addition to treating the symptoms of PCOS, birth control pills can also help to protect the uterus by ensuring regular ovulation. Failure to ovulate regularly can lead to a buildup of uterine tissue (endometrial hyperplasia), which may increase the risk of uterine cancer. With a combined contraceptive, progestin works against estrogen to prevent hyperplasia (the overgrowth of cells).

Another benefit of using birth control pills to treat PCOS is that they can help to regulate the menstrual cycle, making it more predictable. This can be especially helpful for people with PCOS who often have irregular periods.

While birth control pills can be an effective treatment for PCOS, it is important to note that they are not a cure. Additionally, finding the right birth control pill for treating PCOS can be challenging, as there are many different options available, including oral contraceptives ("the pill"), transdermal patches, and intravaginal rings. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate treatment option.

It can help with acne

Birth control pills can be used to treat acne. Acne is often caused by an increase in androgens, a group of sex hormones that includes testosterone. Androgens cause sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil), which can lead to clogged pores.

Certain types of birth control pills can help treat blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic acne. They can be especially effective in treating stubborn hormonal acne along the jaw, lower face, and neckline when other treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics, have not helped.

Birth control pills affect hormones, and hormones play a major role in acne. Women usually produce low levels of androgens, but hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycle can raise androgen levels and trigger acne breakouts. For some women, acne persists beyond early adulthood and can even continue into perimenopause.

The combination pill can help stop some types of acne by decreasing sebum production. While taking the pill, acne may be eliminated, but it could return after stopping. It may take several months for the pill to start improving acne, and flare-ups are common at the beginning of treatment.

There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. The combination pill contains synthetic forms of the sex hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones can decrease the circulation of androgens in the body, which reduces the production of sebum. Pills that only contain progestin can have the opposite effect and may worsen acne.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several combination pills to treat acne, including Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ. These pills have shown similar effectiveness in treating moderate acne. While they all contain the same form of estrogen, the forms of progestin differ.

Frequently asked questions