Birth Control Pills - Understanding Your Options

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They are hormonal pills that work by stopping ovulation or making it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available with a prescription from healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Birth Control Pills FAQ


Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What is a birth control pill?

The birth control pill is a type of oral contraception that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. “Oral” means you take it by mouth. Contraception is any form of birth control — any device or method to prevent pregnancy. People call it “the pill” because it comes in pill form that’s easy to take.

How do birth control pills work?

Birth control pills: Stop or reduce ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Thicken cervical mucus, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from entering your uterus and eventually reaching the egg. Thin the lining of your uterus so that a fertilized egg can’t attach and grow there.

Do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?

Birth control pills prevent pregnancy 99% of the time when you take them every day, exactly as prescribed. Unlike other types of birth control, like condoms, the pill doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ll need to use additional protection along with the pill to reduce your risk of STIs.

Are birth control pills effective?

Birth control pills are a type of contraception that’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. The pill contains hormones that regulate menstruation, decrease PMS symptoms, lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, improve acne and treat endometriosis.

What are birth control pills?

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that help prevent pregnancy. Each pill contains small amounts of the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone (in its synthetic form, called progestin). When taken correctly, they have a 91 percent success rate. There are two types of birth control pills, combination and progestin-only.

What type of birth control should I use?

The type of birth control you use is a personal decision, and there are many options to choose from. If you’re a sexually active person who can become pregnant, you could consider birth control pills. Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, are medications you take by mouth to prevent pregnancy.

What is birth control & how does it work?

Birth control is how you prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different birth control options out there. We’re here to help you figure it all out. What do the experts say about birth control? Read questions and answers about birth control on our blog. Get birth control pills delivered to your door!

What is a combined oral contraceptive pill?

The combined oral contraceptive pill is a type of contraception (birth control). It is often just called 'the pill'. You take the pill as a daily tablet. It contains 2 hormones — oestrogen and progestogen. If you are thinking about going on the pill, talk to your doctor about the best option for you — you need a prescription to take the pill.

Birth Control Pills References

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