how does birth control pills work?
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The pill contains a small amount of synthetic (artificial) hormones. These hormones work with the body's natural hormones to prevent pregnancy. The pill prevents the body from releasing an egg from the ovary (which is called ovulation). It also thickens up the mucus at the cervix (the entrance to the uterus).
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The pill is one method of hormonal birth control that helps to prevent pregnancy. Because of the hormones that alter your menstrual cycle, you don't ovulate on the combination pill if it's taken properly.
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Birth control pills make use of the fact that both estrogen and progesterone are regulated by negative feedback loops. By adding an excess amount of estrogen and progesterone in the body, birth control pills activate the negative-feedback loop and prevent the body from secreting estrogen and progesterone.
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Hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy by: Stopping or reducing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Thickening cervical mucus to keep sperm from entering the uterus. Thinning the uterus lining so an egg is less likely to attach and get fertilized by sperm.
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The NuvaRing works by stopping sperm from joining with an egg (which is called fertilization). Like most birth control pills, the ring contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. These are similar to the hormones our bodies make naturally.
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Birth control pills prevent pregnancy through several mechanisms, mainly by stopping ovulation. If no egg is released, there is nothing to be fertilized by sperm, and the woman cannot get pregnant. Most birth control pills contain synthetic forms of two female hormones: estrogen and progestin.
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There are two main kinds of birth control pills: Combination birth control pills. This type of pill contains both estrogen and progestin. There are a wide variety of combination pills to choose from, depending on how often you want to have periods and the dose of hormones that is best for you.
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Birth control pills work because they decrease the amount of prostaglandins — chemicals your body produces to make the muscles of the uterus contract. With fewer contractions, there is less pain. Birth control pills also can decrease the amount of blood flow with a girl's period.
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Birth Control: The Pill. Bill control pills are a type of contraception that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. The pill contains hormones that regulate menstruation, lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, improve acne and treat endometriosis.
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Incorrect use of birth control pills is a major reason for unintended pregnancies. Birth control pills work best if taken according to schedule and at the same time each day. If you miss one or more pills, you increase your chances of releasing an egg that could be fertilized and lead to a pregnancy.
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Birth control is a way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control, including hormonal contraception such as "the pill." Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective.
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Combination birth control pills, also known as the pill, are oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin. Combination birth control pills keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to keep sperm from joining the egg.
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How It Works. Emergency contraception pills use hormones or medications that block pregnancy. Most use the same hormones that are in regular birth control pills. The emergency-use pills work mainly by delaying the release of an egg or ovulation.
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Plan B works like other birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Plan B acts primarily by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may prevent the union of sperm and egg (fertilization). If fertilization does occur, Plan B may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb (implantation).
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Although the pill is highly effective at preventing unintended pregnancy, it offers numerous other health benefits, too. Taking birth control pills can help to regulate hormonal swings and imbalances that can cause an array of different symptoms that interfere with day-to-day functioning.
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Birth control prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries. If an egg isn't released, it can't be fertilized. (No egg means no fertilization and no pregnancy.) So technically, birth control makes a woman keep her eggs.
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"The combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy in three ways, making it a very effective contraceptive choice. It prevents ovulation, thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb to prevent sperm getting in, and alters the lining of the womb to prevent an egg from growing there."