Contraceptive pill
Contraceptive Pill
The Contraceptive Pill (pronounced: /kɒntrəˈsɛptɪv pɪl/), also known as the birth control pill or simply the pill, is a type of hormonal contraception used by women to prevent pregnancy.
Etymology
The term "contraceptive" is derived from the Latin words "contra," meaning against, and "conceptus," meaning conception or fertilization. The term "pill" is derived from the Latin "pilula," which means little ball.
Usage
The contraceptive pill is taken orally once a day, every day, to prevent pregnancy. It works by releasing hormones into the body that prevent ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and thin the lining of the uterus to make it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
Types
There are two main types of contraceptive pills: the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), which contains both estrogen and progestin, and the progestin-only pill (POP), which contains only progestin.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of the contraceptive pill include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual cycle. In rare cases, it can also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Related Terms
- Emergency Contraception: A method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD): A long-term, reversible method of contraception.
- Condom: A barrier method of contraception.
- Vasectomy: A permanent method of contraception for men.
- Tubal Ligation: A permanent method of contraception for women.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Contraceptive pill
- Wikipedia's article - Contraceptive pill
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