Oral contraceptives (birth-controlbirth-controlBirth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways: Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs. Types include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.https://medlineplus.gov › birthcontrolBirth Control | Contraception - MedlinePlus pills) are used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries).
What can oral contraceptives help with?
The birth control pill is a safe, simple, and convenient way to prevent pregnancy. It also has other benefits like reducing acne, making your periods lighter and more regular, and easing menstrual cramps.
How do contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy?
How Does It Work? Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a mix of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized.
What is the best contraceptive birth control?
The kinds of birth control that work the best to prevent pregnancy are the implant and IUDs — they're also the most convenient to use, and the most foolproof. Other birth control methods, like the pill, ring, patch, and shot, are also really good at preventing pregnancy if you use them perfectly.
How do I choose the right contraceptive pill?
When looking for the right pill, women want to weigh up the cost, safety, efficacy and side effects of the pill. Some women might also be seeking non-contraceptive benefits, such as treatment for acne, pre-menstrual syndrome, heavy or painful periods, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
When should oral contraceptives be taken?
Oral contraceptives can be started any day of the week and any day of the menstrual cycle. All women who start taking oral contraceptives should first have a pregnancy test to make sure they are not already pregnant. Women should also use “backup” birth control, such as condoms, for 7 days after starting.
How do you take birth control pills for the first time?
- First-day start. Take your first pill the day you get your period. Pregnancy protection kicks in right away, so you won't need a backup contraceptive.
- Quick start. You take the first pill in your pack right away.
- Sunday start. Many pill packs are arranged to start on this day.
When do you start birth control pills after your period?
You can start the combination pill at any time. If you start taking combination pills within 5 days after your period starts, you'll be protected from pregnancy right away.
How should oral contraceptives be taken?
Oral contraceptives come in packets of 21, 28, or 91 tablets to take by mouth once a day, every day or almost every day of a regular cycle. To avoid nausea, take oral contraceptives with food or milk. Take your oral contraceptive at the same time every day.