What Exactly Do Birth Control Pills Do?

Whether you’re new to the world of birth control or just exploring your options, understanding how birth control pills work is key to making an informed choice. Birth control pills, commonly known as “the pill,” are one of the most widely used forms of contraception worldwide.

They offer a convenient, discreet way to prevent pregnancy, but they can also have additional health benefits, such as regulating periods, reducing cramps, and even improving acne. However, with various options available today, choosing the right birth control method can feel overwhelming.

You may wonder what actually goes on when you take a birth control pill—how does it keep you from getting pregnant? Is it safe? And with all the options available, how do you know if birth control pills are right for you? This blog answers all your questions by exploring how birth control pills work, how they compare to other types of birth control, and what else you should know about using them safely.

So, if you’ve been feeling unsure about what birth control pills do or whether they’re the right fit, keep reading. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what goes into choosing the best birth control option for your lifestyle and health needs, giving you confidence in making a choice that’s both informed and personalized.

What Are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that contain synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. They are usually taken once daily and work mainly by interfering with the body’s natural reproductive cycle to block ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries. By preventing ovulation, the chances of fertilization and pregnancy are drastically reduced.

These pills also have several other effects on the reproductive system, which enhance their contraceptive properties and can also contribute to other health benefits.

What Are the Different Types of Birth Control?

Birth control comes in many forms, and choosing the best option depends on individual needs, lifestyle, health, and preferences.

Hormonal Methods

• Birth Control Pills: Daily pills containing hormones (estrogen and progestin, or just progestin) that prevent ovulation.
• Birth Control Patch: A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones.
• Vaginal Ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones over three weeks.
• Birth Control Shot: An injection of progestin administered every three months.
• Birth Control Implant: A small rod placed under the skin of the arm that releases hormones for several years.

Barrier Methods

• Condoms (Male and Female): Prevent sperm from entering the uterus, providing both contraception and STI protection.
• Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: Dome-shaped devices placed over the cervix to block sperm.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

• Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.
• Copper IUDs: Non-hormonal devices that use copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg.

Permanent Methods

• Tubal Ligation (for women): Surgically closes the fallopian tubes.
• Vasectomy (for men): Blocks the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen.

Natural Methods

• Fertility Awareness: Tracking menstrual cycles to avoid sex during fertile periods.
• Withdrawal: Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.

Emergency Contraception

• Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
• Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception: A copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse can prevent pregnancy.

Birth Control: Myths About Contraceptive Pills

How Can I Compare the Different Kinds of Birth Control?

Choosing birth control involves evaluating factors like effectiveness, convenience, cost, and potential side effects. Here’s how these options compare:

1. Effectiveness: IUDs, implants, and sterilization are among the most effective, with less than 1% failure rate. Pills, patches, and rings have a typical use failure rate of about 7-9%, while barrier methods are less effective, especially with typical use.
2. Hormone Levels: If you prefer to avoid hormones, copper IUDs and barrier methods may be suitable. If hormones are okay, options like pills, patches, rings, shots, and implants are effective choices.
3. STI Protection: Only condoms provide reliable STI protection, so consider using condoms along with another birth control method if STI prevention is a priority.
4. Ease of Use: Daily methods like pills require consistent effort, whereas IUDs, implants, and sterilization are low-maintenance. Natural methods require ongoing monitoring and self-awareness.
5. Cost and Access: Cost varies widely. Some types, like pills and condoms, are more affordable, while IUDs and implants have higher upfront costs but last longer.

Which Types of Birth Control Help Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

When it comes to STI protection, male and female condoms are the only methods that provide reliable defense against most sexually transmitted infections. For comprehensive protection, using condoms in addition to another form of contraception, such as birth control pills, is recommended.

Other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills, IUDs, and implants, do not prevent STIs. If you’re sexually active and concerned about STIs, pairing these methods with condoms can provide both contraception and STI protection.

Which Types of Birth Control Can I Get Without a Prescription?

For convenience, some birth control options are available without a prescription:

1. Male and Female Condoms: Easily accessible and over-the-counter.
2. Spermicides: Chemical methods used in conjunction with barrier methods, available at pharmacies.
3. Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Available over-the-counter in most countries (such as Plan B or Ella in the U.S.).
4. Fertility Awareness Methods: This approach doesn’t require medication and is based on tracking your cycle.

For other methods, like birth control pills, patches, implants, and IUDs, a healthcare provider’s prescription or assistance is typically needed.

Which Types of Birth Control Do I Have to See My Doctor to Get?

To ensure proper administration and guidance, certain contraceptive options require a doctor’s appointment:

1. Birth Control Pills: Requires a prescription and periodic health check-ups.
2. IUDs (Copper and Hormonal): Inserted by a healthcare provider.
3. Birth Control Implants: Inserted under the skin by a professional.
4. Birth Control Shots: Often administered by a healthcare provider, although self-injection options are available in some areas.
5. Permanent Methods (Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy): These surgical methods require consultation and a procedure by a doctor.

How Does Birth Control Work?

Birth control pills function primarily through hormones, usually a combination of estrogen and progestin. Here’s how they prevent pregnancy:

1. Suppressing Ovulation: Pills prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries, so there’s no egg available for fertilization.
2. Thickening Cervical Mucus: Progestin thickens the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
3. Thinning the Uterine Lining: The pill changes the lining of the uterus, making it less hospitable for a fertilized egg to implant.

These hormonal changes, particularly if the pill is taken consistently, create multiple barriers to pregnancy.

Are Birth Control Pills Safe?

For most individuals, birth control pills are safe when taken under medical supervision, but they aren’t risk-free. Here’s what to consider:

1. Possible Side Effects: Mild side effects like nausea, headaches, and mood changes are common in the first few months and often improve over time. Some people may experience more significant side effects, such as blood clots, though this is rare.
2. Health Benefits: Birth control pills offer non-contraceptive benefits like reduced menstrual cramps, lighter periods, improved acne, and lower risks of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
3. Considerations for Certain Health Conditions: Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, or certain types of cancer may need to avoid estrogen-containing birth control. Discussing personal health with a doctor can help determine if the pill is the safest choice.

Final Thoughts

Birth control pills are a convenient and effective option for contraception, and with so many birth control methods available, there’s likely a solution suited to your unique needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s pills, condoms, IUDs, or a permanent solution, it’s essential to choose a method that aligns with your health goals and provides the right balance of effectiveness and convenience. Remember, for complete STI protection, pairing your birth control method with condoms is recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best contraceptive choice for you.