If you are looking for effective contraception to avoid unnecessary pregnancy, you can choose from more than just condoms. Today, with the advancement of science and technology, women can rely on many different methods of birth control. Are you aware of hormonal contraceptives? Read on to know what hormonal methods of contraception are.
Hormonal contraception is a method of birth control. They alter the hormonal balance in the woman's body to prevent pregnancy.
So, how do hormonal contraceptives work? These contraceptives work by altering the way the female reproductive system works.
Every month, most of the women's ovaries release one mature egg. When she has unprotected sex, the sperm will enter her body and travel up to meet the egg. If the sperm successfully fertilises the egg, it can lead to pregnancy. The hormonal contraceptives prevent the eggs from releasing. So, even if the male partner does not use a condom, the sperm will not have an egg to meet and fertilise. Hence, there will be no pregnancy despite unprotected sex.
Hormonal contraception also thins the uterine lining. The uterine lining usually thickens during ovulation and supports the egg's implantation in case of successful fertilisation. With a thin uterine lining, implantation is unlikely to happen, thus preventing pregnancy.
These contraceptives also thicken cervical mucus, which usually becomes thin and slippery during a woman's fertile period. Thin and slippery mucus aids in the easier movement of the sperm, while thick mucus hinders this movement.
Hormonal contraceptives are made using a combination of two hormones – progestin and estrogen or just progestin. Progestin is the synthetic form of the progesterone hormone, which mimics the effects of progesterone on the human body. Every human body produces progesterone – a reproductive hormone.
If the woman's body is not making sufficient progesterone, taking progestin pills can help in maintaining pregnancy. However, when progestin is used as a contraceptive, it suppresses ovulation, changes the cervical mucus and prevents pregnancy.
Hormonal contraceptives come in various forms. Various contraceptives can be used in different ways. The different types of hormonal contraceptives you can choose from for your birth control needs are:
If you are wondering why upset the hormonal balance of the body and take contraceptives internally when you can use a condom as and when required? Here are some advantages of using hormonal methods of contraception:
Hormonal contraceptives can be a very reliable method to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, even they have their limitations. Some disadvantages of hormonal contraception are:
If you are sexually active, don't want to carry condoms with you, or rely on your male partner for protection, hormonal contraceptives can be a wise decision. Hormonal methods of contraception can be very effective in preventing pregnancy and offer other benefits, too. Ensure you discuss this with your doctor before you decide on any hormonal contraception.
Hormonal contraception works by suppressing ovulation and preventing the ovaries from releasing the egg. They make the cervical mucus thicker to make it difficult for the sperm to travel and make the uterine wall thinner, thus preventing implantation.
Most of them are effective a week after you start taking them. If you are on the pills, you need to take them every single day. If you miss taking the pill even for a day, you are at risk of getting pregnant as the ovaries might release the egg.
A hormonal contraceptive contains a combination of hormones or a single hormone. It contains progesterone and estrogen. These hormones prevent ovulation. Thus, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and avoid pregnancy. The hormones enter the bloodstream, which thickens the mucus of the cervix and prevents the entry of sperm into the uterus. It also reduces the lining of the uterus, thereby avoiding the implantation of the fertilised egg.
Hormonal contraception works immediately when it is taken within five days before the onset of your period. Starting hormonal contraception on any other day requires 7 days for it to work.
Hormonal contraceptives will prevent pregnancy by mimicking natural hormones and disrupting the menstrual cycle. The hormonal contraceptives work by preventing ovulation and altering the uterine lining, making it unfit for implantation. They can even thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to swim through to meet the egg.
The main hormones – estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the release of a mature egg from the ovaries and preparing the uterus for implantation. Changes in these hormone levels can not only prevent ovulation but can also prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or change the uterine lining, making it difficult for a successful implantation.
