How does the pill work?
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The most common pill and most effective is the combination pill. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. It works to prevent ovulation so no egg is released. It also thickens the cervical mucus so the sperm have a hard time getting through and it thins the lining of the uterus so if by very small chance an egg is released and a sperm fertilizes it, it would be very difficult for it to implant. For the combination pill you take 3 weeks of active hormones and one week of sugar (reminder pills, some packs don't include these pills). This is the week that you would get your period. While on the pill you don't get a true period because no egg was released and there is very little lining to shed. It's a hormonal bleed which is why periods while on the pill are usually shorter and lighter. The combination pill when taken properly is 99% effective. It is a good idea to take it at the same time every day but you do have a 12 hour window where you can take it and it won't lose it's effectiveness.
For those who can't take the pills with estrogen there is the mini pill which contains only progesterone. It thickens the cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus. It also suppresses ovulation in about 50% of women taking it. The mini pill is 28 days of active hormones, there is no week off. It is 90 -99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is more effective for those women who take it at the exact same time every day. There is only a 3 hour window in which you can take the mini pill before you have to count it as a missed pill.
Depends on which type. There are 2 types :
1) combined pill( 2 types of female hormones).most commonly used...it blocks the hormones from your brain which control egg release or fertilisation...thus no egg is produced therefore nothing meets with the sperm to make a baby
2) progesterone pill( 1 type of hormone)...this one thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb therefore making it harder for sperm to get through; it also reduces the movement of the tubes therefore slows egg transport to meet the sperm...thus no baby
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