Oral contraception

Oral Contraception

Oral contraception, also known as the birth control pill, is a method of birth control that involves taking a pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most popular and effective forms of birth control available today.

History

The development of oral contraception began in the 1950s with the work of Gregory Pincus, a biologist who was interested in the role of hormones in pregnancy. He and his team developed a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. This synthetic hormone, known as progestin, was the key ingredient in the first oral contraceptive pill.

Types of Oral Contraceptives

There are two main types of oral contraceptives: combined oral contraceptives and progestin-only pills.

Combined oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin. They work by preventing ovulation, thinning the lining of the uterus, and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, work in a similar way but do not contain estrogen. They are often used by women who cannot take estrogen for health reasons.

Effectiveness

When used correctly, oral contraceptives are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, their effectiveness can be reduced if a pill is missed, taken late, or if the woman is taking certain medications.

Side Effects and Risks

Like all medications, oral contraceptives can have side effects. These can include nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. There is also a small increased risk of certain serious health conditions, such as blood clots and stroke, particularly in women who smoke or have other risk factors.

Future Developments

Research is ongoing into new forms of oral contraception, including pills that could be taken less frequently than once a day, and pills that could be used by men.

See Also

• Birth control
• Emergency contraception
• Intrauterine device
• Condom