Oral Contraception

Definition

Oral contraception refers to birth control methods that are taken by mouth, such as the pill. These methods often use hormones to prevent ovulation and thus pregnancy.

Analogy

Think of oral contraception like a traffic light for your body's reproductive system. When the light is green, it signals that it's okay for an egg to be released (ovulation). But when you take oral contraceptives, it's like switching the light to red - stopping the release of eggs and preventing pregnancy.

Related terms

Progestin: A type of hormone used in many forms of hormonal birth control that works by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

Estrogen: Another hormone used in combination with progestin in some types of oral contraceptives. It also helps stop ovulation and makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small device inserted into the uterus as a form of long-term, reversible birth control.