Contraceptive medicines or birth control pills are a form of contraception that is considered extremely effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently. The pill is composed of hormones that regulate menstruation, lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, improve acne and treat endometriosis. Although these pills have different effects as well, they are primarily used to control and prevent pregnancy in women. There can be many ways to prevent pregnancy and oral contraceptive pills are one of the most popular methods.

Composition of birth control pills

Birth control pills are tablets that contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. These pills are most effective when they are taken consistently at the same time each day. They constitute the perfect percentage of hormones that can help in the accurate and safe prevention of pregnancy. It has the potential to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if administered daily, without fail. However, keeping track of these pills perfectly can be difficult, which is the reason for unintended pregnancies in women who use the contraceptive pills. Being consistent helps keep hormone levels from fluctuating which in turn helps in preventing our body from experiencing mood swings, pains, body aches, unwanted periods, etc. These pills are an excellent choice if you and your partner wish to have unprotected sex but are not trying to conceive a child yet.

contraceptive pills

Working of the pills

Hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy by stopping or reducing ovulation which is also the process of releasing the egg from the ovary. They help in thickening the cervical mucus to keep sperm from entering the uterus which in turn prevents pregnancy. It actively acts on thinning the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg is less likely to attach to the inner lining in case of fertilization.

Conclusion

These pills or contraceptive medications are used to prevent pregnancy in women. They are composed of hormones such as oestrogen, and progesterone, which are essential in a woman’s body during the reproductive cycle. They are provided by different brands and manufacturers in various packaging. Some formulations offer continuous dosing, which means the absence of any inactive pills, and a woman takes an active pill daily. Alternatively, extended cycle dosing is when inactive medicines in the active pill regimen only occur three to four times per year. This results in a condition where the woman does not experience a period until she takes the inactive pills.