How Birth Control Works

Birth control works to prevent pregnancy as well as to repress the menstrual cycle. Hormones need to be replaced in order to not allow a pregnancy to happen. The birth control pill is a form of contraceptive that works when ovulation is stopped (when the egg is released). Birth control also helps make the cervix’s mucus get thicker rather than stay fluid, which allows sperm to enter the vagina so that the egg can be fertilized. Birth control completely stops the fertilization process. This is why birth control must be taken one pill at a time, one day at a time, daily.

Birth control pills are not the only way to prevent pregnancy, but condoms also work. Condoms also protect from sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Some people who use the pill do get pregnant anyway. This is why some sexually active people want to use an IUD that they don’t have to think about, but that is inserted into the vagina in order to prevent pregnancy. IUD's also contain hormones that prevent contraception. IUD's are different from the pills in that they release a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel, which is not like the pill in that the pill is made up of artificial estrogen hormone replacement. The pill also has progestin hormones.

Some birth control options like Quasense can create only four periods a year, as an extended cycle pill. Taking the inactive pills in a pack means a period will come but taking birth control as a hormone, in a continuous manner, means that the number of actual menstrual cycles can be reduced. Sometimes, a period will happen anyway regardless of how much the pills work to prevent this. Spotting occasionally happens as well with birth control pills because the body is adjusting to having the hormones given orally.

Only a doctor can prescribe birth control pills, which are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but at the same time there are ways a woman will wind up pregnant despite using the pill. This is when sterilization comes in. Sterilization helps prevent pregnancy by causing a nearly permanent form of contraception. The fallopian tubes are sealed or blocked off to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus. Sterilization can be reversed by choice but sometimes being fertile after a reversal is questionable. Sterilization can be reversed only if the fallopian tubes were closed with rings or clips. Otherwise sterility is a firm guarantee against pregnancy in general.

Birth control starts working the first month you take them. Condoms are also a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Foam or spermicide can also stop pregnancy because it is inserted into the vagina. There are also spermicidal gels. Spermicide is not the best way to prevent pregnancy and sometimes the partner pulling out before ejaculation can work as well as any spermicide. This keeps sperm from entering the vagina, and fertilizing an egg when it does. Spermicide has a chemical in it that could irritate the vagina, in turn making the vagina hospitable to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Spermicide needs to be inserted into the vagina to be effective, in cream, foam, film, or gel, or perhaps even suppository, 10-15 minutes before having sex. Spermicide can be used in conjunction with condoms since it doesn’t damage the plastic. Spermicide can be bought over the counter online or at pharmacies.

By far the best way to prevent pregnancy is to not have sex. Sex can get you pregnant. Abstinence guarantees you are not pregnant. Spermacide is no guarantee as a non-hormonal birth control option, which is valued over hormonal birth control for some. Female condoms go inside the vagina or into the anus to prevent STD infection either way. The female condom is like the male condom in that it is a barrier method, which prevents the sperm from reaching the egg using a physical deterrent. Female condoms also prevent STDs, in particular, if your partner doesn’t wear a condom. The female condom must be in place before any sexual contact is made. Female condoms come lubricated but must be inserted correctly in order to work properly. The inner ring must be put into the vagina as far as the cervix. The penis must be inserted into the open part of the female condom because the condom must surround the penis itself. A partner can also insert the female condom for you. It is important to remember birth control while having sex as pregnancy can be accidental anyway.