How do Birth Control Pills Work

The development of the birth control pill in the 1960s was proclaimed a medical breakthrough by feminists and offered women a practical solution to prevent conception. The initial opposition 'the pill' faced from government and other organizations no longer stands and its use has become commonplace in modern times. In order to understand how do birth control pills work, one first needs to have a proper understanding of the female reproductive cycle.

The Female Reproductive Cycle
Part of a woman's reproductive system are 2 ovaries, which contain thousands of follicles, within which are immature eggs. When her menstrual cycle begins, the pituitary gland releases F.S.H. (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) which stimulates the immature eggs (follicles) to grow. Multiple follicles may start to develop simultaneously, though, usually only one reaches maturity each month. While this growth is taking place, the cells around the egg produce the female hormone estrogen, which in turn begins to prepare the uterus for the fertilized egg, by causing its lining to grow.

The rising level of estrogen in the blood indicates to the pituitary gland that the follicle has achieved a certain size and development, which means that the ovary is ready to release the egg. The pituitary gland in turn releases a high level of the hormone L.H (Luteinising Hormone), which alerts the ovary to release the egg. Thus the follicle bursts to release the egg, which then makes its journey through one of the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Once in the uterus, it may be fertilized by sperm, resulting in pregnancy.

The cells that formed the follicle (now called a corpus luteum), begin to produce progesterone. In the event of fertilization, progesterone keeps being produced, which keeps the egg implanted and growing. However, if it does not occur, the corpus luteum stops producing hormones. When levels of progesterone and estrogen fall, they cause the lining of the uterus to break and release, along with the unfertilized egg. The cycle then starts all over again.

Birth Control Pills: How Do They Work?
The way in which birth control pills work, is that they induce a slow release of reproductive hormones that suppresses ovulation. As we have seen, when ovulation takes place, the egg is released from the ovaries. However, if ovulation is suppressed, there is no egg, and without an egg to be fertilized, there is no possibility of pregnancy.

Birth control pills come in two forms, the combined pill and the Mini pill. The Mini pill contains only progestin, while the combined pill comprises both estrogen and progestin. Along with preventing ovulation, the Mini pill also contributes to the thickening of the mucous around the cervix, which acts as a barrier and discourages sperm from entering. Additionally, it also acts on the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for the fertilized eggs to implant into the uterus wall.

The Mini pill needs to be taken daily and one is not likely to have a period while on the pill. However, if you do have a period, it means that you are still ovulating, which increases the chances of pregnancy. The combination birth control pills are available in 21 or 28-day packs. For women using the 21 day pack, they have the option of not taking the pill for 7 days after the pack ends and then resuming them. 28-day packs contain 21 pills containing reproductive hormones and 7 placebos. A woman's period will occur during the week she takes the 7 reminder pills.

If you are still wondering how well do birth control pills work, the FDA says that they are 90-95 percent effective if one misses a dose or takes it at a different time each day. However, if taken at the same time every day, they are 99 percent effective. As to how fast do birth control pills work, be aware that most doctors will recommend that you use additional contraception, up to 15 days or a month after you start taking the pill. While this article answers how do birth control pills work, it is also essential for you to understand the risks involved before you start taking them.