Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (pronunciation: eth-in-ill-es-tra-dye-ole/lee-vo-nor-ges-trel) is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), often referred to as the birth control pill. It contains two types of hormones: ethinylestradiol, a synthetic form of estrogen, and levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone.
Etymology
The term "ethinylestradiol" is derived from the words "ethynyl" and "estradiol". "Ethynyl" refers to the ethynyl group (C≡CH) in the chemical structure of the compound, and "estradiol" is a type of estrogen. "Levonorgestrel" is derived from the words "levo" and "norgestrel". "Levo" refers to the levorotatory isomer of the compound, and "norgestrel" is a type of progestin.
Usage
Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and changing the lining of the uterus to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg.
Related Terms
Side Effects
Common side effects of ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel include nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the ankles/feet (fluid retention), or weight change. Serious side effects are rare but may include lumps in the breast, mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual changes in vaginal bleeding, and dark urine.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
- Wikipedia's article - Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
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