Oral contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive
Oral contraceptives (pronounced: /ˈɔːrəl kɒntrəˈsɛptɪvz/), also known as birth control pills, are a type of hormonal contraception that are taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy.
Etymology
The term "oral contraceptive" is derived from the Latin "os, oris" meaning mouth, and the English "contraceptive" which is derived from the Latin "contra" meaning against and "conceptus" meaning conception.
Usage
Oral contraceptives are used by women who wish to prevent pregnancy. They work 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 a fertilized egg from implanting.
Types
There are two main types of oral contraceptives: combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and progestin-only pills (POPs). COCs contain both estrogen and progestin, while POPs contain only progestin.
Side Effects
Common side effects of oral contraceptives include nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Serious side effects are rare, but can include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
Related Terms
- Hormonal contraception
- Combined oral contraceptives
- Progestin-only pills
- Emergency contraception
- Intrauterine device
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral contraceptive
- Wikipedia's article - Oral contraceptive
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