Oral contraceptive

Oral contraceptive
A birth control pill taken by mouth. Most oral contraceptives include both estrogen and progesterone. When given in certain amounts and at certain times in the menstrual cycle, these hormones prevent the ovary from releasing an egg for fertilization. See also

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oral contraceptive n BIRTH CONTROL PILL

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the Pill: a preparation, consisting of one or more synthetic female sex hormones, taken by women to prevent conception. Most oral contraceptives are combined pills, consisting of an oestrogen, which blocks the normal process of ovulation, and a progestogen, which acts on the pituitary gland to block the normal control of the menstrual cycle. Progestogens also alter the lining of the uterus and the viscosity of mucus in its outlet, the cervix, so that conception is less likely should ovulation occur. These pills are taken every day for three weeks and then stopped for a week, during which time menstruation occurs. Side-effects may include headache, weight gain, nausea, skin changes, and depression. There is also a small risk that blood clots may form in the veins, especially those of the legs (which may lead to pulmonary embolism), or that prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives may reduce fertility. The unwanted pregnancy rate is less than 1 per 100 woman-years. With progestogen-only pills (sometimes known as minipills) the unwanted pregnancy rate is slightly higher (1-2 per 100 woman-years) but there are fewer side-effects (due to the absence of oestrogen).
Other hormonal contraceptives include injections and implants (see contraception). See also postcoital contraception.

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a compound, usually hormonal, taken orally in order to block ovulation and prevent the occurrence of pregnancy.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • oral contraceptive — noun a contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conception • Syn: ↑pill, ↑birth control pill, ↑contraceptive pill, ↑oral contraceptive pill, ↑anovulatory drug, ↑anovulant •… …   Useful english dictionary

  • oral contraceptive — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms oral contraceptive : singular oral contraceptive plural oral contraceptives formal a pill that a woman takes every day to prevent herself from becoming pregnant. It is usually called the pill and is a form of… …   English dictionary

  • Oral contraceptive formulations — Oral contraceptives come in a variety of formulations. The main division is between combined oral contraceptive pills, containing both estrogen and synthetic progestogens (strictly progestins, the term used in the United States, but the former… …   Wikipedia

  • Oral contraceptive pill — Oral contraceptives are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control. Female Two types of female oral contraceptive pill are widely available: The combined oral contraceptive pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen, and is taken… …   Wikipedia

  • oral contraceptive pill — n BIRTH CONTROL PILL …   Medical dictionary

  • oral contraceptive — oral contra ceptive n a drug that a woman takes by mouth, so that she can have sex without having a baby = ↑pill …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • oral contraceptive — oral contra ceptive noun count FORMAL a pill that a woman takes every day to prevent herself from becoming pregnant. It is usually called the pill and is a form of birth control …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • oral contraceptive pill — noun a contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conception • Syn: ↑pill, ↑birth control pill, ↑contraceptive pill, ↑oral contraceptive, ↑anovulatory drug, ↑anovulant • Hypernyms: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • oral contraceptive — a tablet, containing one or more synthetic female sex hormones, taken by women to prevent conception. Most oral contraceptives are combined pills, consisting of an oestrogen, which blocks the normal process of ovulation, and a progestogen, which… …   The new mediacal dictionary

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