Birth control, also known as contraception, is used primarily to prevent pregnancy. It achieves this by:
- Preventing ovulation, which means stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries. Without an egg being released, pregnancy cannot occur.
- Thickening the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any egg that might be present.
- Sometimes changing the lining of the uterus to make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach and grow.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, hormonal birth control can provide other benefits such as regulating menstrual cycles, making periods less painful, and improving conditions like acne and symptoms related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There are many types of birth control, including pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), barrier methods like condoms, and permanent methods like sterilization. Overall, birth control uses hormones or physical barriers to help control fertility and manage reproductive health. It is highly effective when used correctly, with pills being about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. This comprehensive role of birth control reflects both its contraceptive purpose and additional health benefits it may provide.
