Published on: 8/20/2025
How do birth control pills work?
Birth control pills work by stopping the body from releasing eggs and making changes to the womb and mucus to prevent pregnancy.
What brings you in today?
Explanation
Birth control pills are a type of medicine that helps prevent pregnancy. They work mainly in two ways:
Stopping Ovulation: Birth control pills stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. Without an egg, there is nothing for sperm to join with, so pregnancy cannot happen.
Changing the Uterus and Mucus: The pills also make changes in the womb (uterus) and the mucus around the cervix. These changes make it harder for sperm to reach any eggs that might be released.
These pills contain hormones similar to the ones our bodies naturally make. By taking the pill every day, these hormones stay at levels that help stop pregnancy. They are safe for most people, but it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to make sure they are a good choice for you.
(References)
- Rivera R, Yacobson I, & Grimes D. (1999). The mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives and .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 10561657.
- Frye CA. (2006). An overview of oral contraceptives: mechanism of action .... Neurology, 16567739.
- Sondheimer SJ. (2008). Oral contraceptives: mechanism of action, dosing, safety, .... Cutis, 18338654.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.