Birth control pills

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives or the pill, are a type of hormonal contraception used to prevent pregnancy. They are one of the most popular methods of birth control worldwide.

Pronunciation

Birth control pills: /bɜːrθ kənˈtroʊl pɪlz/

Etymology

The term "birth control" originated in the early 20th century, as a way to describe the practice of controlling the number of children in a family. The term "pill" is a common term for a small, round, solid pharmaceutical oral dosage form.

Usage

Birth control pills are taken by mouth once a day, at the same time each day. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.

Types

There are two main types of birth control pills: combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which contain both estrogen and a progestin, and progestin-only pills (POPs), also known as the "mini-pill".

Side Effects

Common side effects of birth control pills include nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual cycle. Serious side effects are rare, but can include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

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Birth control pills

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