The pill, referring to birth control pills, works primarily by preventing ovulation.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
Most birth control pills are "combination pills," meaning they contain a mixture of two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy.
How the Hormones Prevent Pregnancy
Here is how the hormones in the pill prevent pregnancy:
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Preventing Ovulation: The primary way the pill prevents pregnancy is by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). If there's no egg, sperm cannot fertilize it, and pregnancy cannot occur. According to the provided reference, "Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a mix of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation... Pregnancy can't happen if a female doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized."
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Thickening Cervical Mucus: The hormones in the pill also thicken the mucus in the cervix. This thicker mucus makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the uterus, further reducing the chance of fertilization.
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Thinning the Uterine Lining: The pill can also thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This makes it less likely that a fertilized egg will be able to implant and grow.
Summary
| Mechanism | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Ovulation Prevention | Stops the release of an egg. |
| Cervical Mucus Thickening | Hinders sperm movement. |
| Uterine Lining Thinning | Makes implantation less likely. |
In essence, the birth control pill uses hormones to manipulate the female reproductive system, preventing ovulation and making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.
