Pregnancy pills, often referring to birth control pills, primarily work to prevent pregnancy through several mechanisms. They are sometimes also used to help with period or hormonal issues.
How Birth Control Pills Work
Birth control pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy in these main ways:
- Preventing or Reducing Ovulation: They stop or reduce ovulation, which means the release of an egg from the ovary. If there's no egg, sperm cannot fertilize it and pregnancy cannot occur.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus: They thicken the cervical mucus, creating a barrier. This barrier prevents sperm from entering your uterus and reaching any egg that may be present.
- Thinning the Uterine Lining: They thin the lining of your uterus so that even if fertilization occurs, a fertilized egg is less likely to attach and grow.
Here's a table summarizing the key actions of birth control pills:
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents/Reduces Ovulation | Stops the release of an egg from the ovary. |
| Thickens Cervical Mucus | Creates a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. |
| Thins Uterine Lining | Makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. |
It is important to note that birth control pills require a prescription and should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider for maximum effectiveness and safety.
