Combined oral contraceptives
Combined Oral Contraceptives
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), also known as the pill, are a type of birth control that is designed to be taken orally. They contain two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin, which work together to prevent ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries.
Pronunciation: /kəˈmaɪnd ˈɔːrəl kɒntrəˈsɛptɪvz/
Etymology: The term "combined" refers to the combination of two hormones, "oral" refers to the route of administration, and "contraceptives" comes from the Latin contraceptivus, meaning "against conception".
Mechanism of Action
COCs work by suppressing the pituitary gland's production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, thus preventing fertilization. They also thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Side Effects
Like all medications, COCs can have side effects. These may include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual cycle. In rare cases, they can cause serious health problems like blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Related Terms
- Mini pill: A type of oral contraceptive that contains only progestin.
- Emergency contraception: A type of birth control used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- Intrauterine device (IUD): A small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
See Also
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