The Basics of Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They typically contain synthetic hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, which work by inhibiting ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, and changing the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. There are different types of oral contraceptives, including combination pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills. They are highly effective when taken correctly and also offer additional benefits like regulating menstrual cycles and reducing the risk of certain cancers.