Birth control pills are popular form of contraception for woman how do brith control pills prevent pregnancy
Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, prevent pregnancy by using synthetic hormones to stop ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Here's a breakdown of how they work:
1. Inhibiting ovulation: Birth control pills contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin (or just progestin in some cases). These hormones work together to suppress the release of eggs from the ovaries, preventing ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for sperm to fertilize.
2. Thinning the uterine lining: The hormones in birth control pills also help to thin the lining of the uterus. This makes it less receptive to a fertilized egg, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
3. Thickening cervical mucus: Birth control pills also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate the cervix and reach the egg. The thickened mucus acts as a barrier, preventing the sperm from swimming towards the egg.
By combining these mechanisms, birth control pills create a highly effective method of contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1% when used correctly. It's important to note that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it's recommended to use barrier methods (such as condoms) in addition to the pill for dual protection.