Birth control pill - series
Normal female anatomy
The internal female reproductive organs include the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. These organs are necessary to produce a successful pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, birth control pills affect how these organs function.
Progestin in pill
The progesterone in birth control pills also creates a thick cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus. It also impedes an egg from attaching itself to the uterine lining (endometrium) because of changes in the cellular structure of the lining.
FSH and LH from pituitary gland
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulate the ovary into producing a ripe egg ready for fertilization by sperm during a normal ovulation cycle.
Release of estrogen
During a normal menstrual cycle, hormones stimulate the ovary, causing an egg to ripen. The uterine lining thickens, preparing itself for implantation of a fertilized egg, and the cervical mucus thins to help sperm reach the egg.
Release of LH
Falling levels of estrogen in the body causes the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH, stimulating the ovary to produce a ripe egg.
Birth control pill
The low levels of estrogen and progesterone in birth control pills suppress FSH and LH, "fooling" the pituitary gland into thinking a woman is pregnant. Ovulation will then not occur, therefore preventing pregnancy.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2012 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Recipes
- Top Searches
- 1. Allergy Seals and Certifications
- 2. Cancer Studies and Statistics
- 3. Fat Facts for Diabetics
- 4. 10 Ways to Tame Your Sugar Cravings
- 5. 4 Ways to Go Healthy at a Coffee Shop
- 6. Exercises to Cure Your Neck Pain
- 7. Overweight With Normal Blood Pressure?
- 8. 5 Ways to Improve Leg Circulation
- 9. Green Tea for Health & Beauty
- 10. How to Pick the Right Makeup Brushes
- 1. Could You Have a Deviated Septum?
- 2. Today's Mammogram Guidelines
- 3. The Benefits of Protein for Diabetics
- 4. How Grief Affects the Body
- 5. Best Food Guide for IBD
- 6. 5 Things to Do Before Your Workout
- 7. A Heart Attack Without Risk Factors?
- 8. How to Handle Arthritis on the Job
- 9. Perfect Nails at Home in 10 Steps
- 10. How to Get More Vitamin D
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.