Question

Name an oral pill used as a contraceptive by human females. Explain how does it prevent pregnancy.

Answer 1

The most commonly used oral pills are Saheli, Mala D, Unwanted -72, i-Pill. Contraceptive pills contain either progesterone alone or a combination of progesterone and estrogen. The pills are taken orally for 21 days in a menstrual cycle starting from the 5th day an ending on the 25th day. Hormonal pills act in 4 ways -

• inhibition of ovulation
• alteration in the uterine endometrium, it becomes unsuitable for implantation
• changes in cervical mucus, impairing its ability to allow passage to sperms
• inhibition of motility and secretory activity of fallopian tubes