Contraceptive pills are one of the most well known methods of birth control. If you’re looking for easy and convenient contraception, you should consider using them.
Here are some facts on how contraceptive pills work.
For more information on contraceptive pills, read ‘Contraceptive Pills 101: A Complete Guide’.
What are contraceptive pills?
Contraceptive pills are a hormonal contraceptive method. Thus, they contain hormones that work to prevent pregnancy.
Also known as birth control pills or just ‘the pill’, contraceptive pills are taken orally once a day.
The pill is an affordable, safe and effective method of contraception when taken correctly. There are two types of contraceptive pills – combination pills (e.g. Microgynon in Singapore) and progestin-only pills.
How do contraceptive pills work?
Like all hormonal contraceptives, the contraceptive pill mimics hormones that are directly related to the menstrual cycle to inhibit it. Contraceptive pills work to prevent pregnancy in three ways:
Preventing ovulation
The main way in which the pill works to stop pregnancy is by preventing ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. The pill inhibits the rising of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, without which ovulation cannot take place.
Because no egg is released by the ovary, there is nothing for the man’s sperm to fertilize.
Cervical mucus thickening
Another way in which contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy is by thickening the woman’s cervical mucus.
Cervical mucus can be found at the opening of the uterus and this viscous fluid usually thins when ovulation takes place. It provides a hospitable environment for the sperm and eases its journey to the woman’s egg.
The pill causes the mucus to thicken and become stickier than usual, and thus, reduces the sperm’s ability to travel through the cervix to the woman’s egg.
Endometrium thinning
The third way in which the pill prevents pregnancy is by thinning the endometrium. Also known as the uterine lining, the endometrium is where the fertilized egg will implant itself.
Normally, the endometrium will thicken when a woman is ovulating so that the fertilized egg will be able to implant, grow and develop into a fetus.
However, the opposite happens when a woman is on the pill. The endometrium thins, making it incredibly hard for implantation to occur. Without implantation, the egg will not be able to survive as it does not receive the blood and nutrients it needs to continue growing.
Birth control placebo week
When taking contraceptive pills, a medical professional may also refer you to a ‘placebo week’. Your pill pack contains placebo pills that contain reduced or totally no hormones. Placebo pills are also sometimes referred to as ‘sugar pills’.
The placebo week refers to the time in your cycle that you’re on the placebo pills.
The placebo week varies according to the type of contraceptive pill you are on. For example, with the usual 28-day combination pill pack, week 4 would be your placebo week. However, for extended cycle pills, the placebo week would be week 13.
The level of protection against pregnancy is the same during the placebo week, and thus, you do not have to use additional methods of contraception. Additionally, it’s likely that you will be having your period during your placebo week, meaning that pregnancy is all the more unlikely.
Do contraceptive pills work immediately?
It can take up to 7 days before the pill is fully effective. As such, another form of contraception, such as a condom should be used during this time. If you’re using the pill to address acne or unusual bleeding, it may take up to 3 or 4 months before you see real results.
What happens after taking contraceptive pills?
In addition to preventing pregnancy, you may also experience the following side effects upon taking contraceptive pills:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Nausea
- Moodiness and irritability
- Spotting between periods
These side effects usually go away in a couple of months so you may just have to wait for them to resolve on their own. Nonetheless, you should still inform a medical professional if you’re experiencing any of the above.
You may also experience some benefits when you’re on the pill. These include:
- Regular or lighter periods
- Less menstrual cramps
- Reduced migraines
- Improved acne
- Reduced unwanted hair growth
For more on side effects, risks and benefits of the pill, read ‘Side Effects and Risks of Contraceptive Pills – Explained’
How do emergency contraceptive pills work?
Emergency contraceptive pills are used to prevent pregnancy if you had sex and for whatever reason, were not able to use any contraception. As such, they are taken after intercourse. For example, when you miss your regular contraceptive pills, or when a condom breaks or slips off during sex.
Emergency contraceptive pills contain hormones ulipristal acetate or levonorgestrel. These hormones prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation, blocking fertilization as well as preventing the fertilized egg from implanting on the uterus.
They do not, however, interrupt the development of the egg if implantation has already happened.
Emergency contraceptive pills are sometimes referred to as the ‘morning after pill’. They can however be used day or night. They must be used within 5 days after having sexual intercourse and the sooner it is taken, the better.
For more information on the morning after pill, read ‘What Are Emergency Contraceptive Pills?’
Conclusion
Contraceptive pills can be up to 99% effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.
If you’re thinking of using this contraception method, Ova is a direct telemedicine provider that offers online consultations with qualified medical professionals and delivery to your doorstep.