The female birth control pill works primarily by preventing pregnancy through hormonal manipulation.
The Pill's Mechanism of Action
The combined pill, the most common type, contains synthetic versions of estrogen and progestogen. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy in several ways, as outlined below:
Preventing Ovulation
- The pill primarily works by preventing you from releasing an egg (ovulating). The hormones in the pill suppress the natural hormonal cycle that leads to ovulation.
Thickening Cervical Mucus
- The hormones in the pill make it difficult for sperm to get to an egg. Progestogen thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the egg.
Thinning the Womb Lining
- The pill also thins the womb lining, so there's less chance an egg will attach to it. This makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
In summary, the pill utilizes a multi-faceted approach to prevent pregnancy, targeting ovulation, sperm mobility, and implantation.
