Do you know how your birth control works?

I got a attacked a few weeks ago for saying that hormonal birth control prevents implantation by changing the lining of the uterus, preventing pregnancy, not conception. This included the anonymous attacker telling me to take an anatomy/physiology class. While I agree that anatomy classes are great sources of information on the human body, I still think that person was confused.

Hormonal birth control does contain synthetic estrogen which works to prevent conception by making sure a new egg is not released, however, it also contains synthetic progesterone which works to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg should the first hormone (estrogen) fail and conception occur. 

Don’t believe me? Maybe you’ll believe Rachel Maddow: 

Here’s her awesome video on birth control!

I digress, the person did criticize me for using youtube videos (I thought it would be easier than reading an article! Oops!), so will you listen to Planned Parenthood?

“The hormones also thin the lining of the uterus. In theory, this could prevent pregnancy by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.” (Source)

WebMD?

Hormonal contraceptives (the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) all contain a small amount of synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones work to inhibit the body’s natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy is prevented by a combination of factors. The hormonal contraceptive usually stops the body from releasing an egg from the ovary. Hormonal contraceptives also change the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm to find an egg. Hormonal contraceptives can also prevent pregnancy by making the lining of the womb inhospitable for implantation. (Source)

Go Ask Alice?

“Meanwhile, synthetic progestin works to:

Stop the pituitary gland from producing LH in order to prevent egg release

Make the uterine lining inhospitable to a fertilized egg

Partially limit the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg

Thicken the cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement (although this effect may not be key to preventing pregnancy)” (Source) 

Still don’t believe me? The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals talks about all different kinds of birth control!

Injectable Contraception: Hormone changes lining of the uterus so that pregnancy cannot occur.

IUD: Hormone changes lining of the uterus so that pregnancy cannot occur.

The Pill, transdermal patch, vaginal ring: Prevent the release of LH and FSH (which allow eggs to grow and release, but also thicken the uterine wall, making it hospitable to a fertilized egg)

All forms of hormonal contraception reduce the risk of pregnancy by preventing ovulation. Some forms of hormonal contraception also change the lining of the uterus so that pregnancy cannot occur.

(Source)

So, everyone, I hope we all fully understand how contraception works now and can make fully informed decisions.