Question

How do the pills work?
i) Inhibit ovulation and implantation
ii) Alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent or retard the entry of sperms
iii) Prevent ejaculated semen from entering the female vagina
iv) Inhibit spermatogenesis
A. (i), (ii) and (iii)
B. (i) and (ii)
C. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D. (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Birth control pills or contraceptive pills are medication to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They contain hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or both. These hormones control the functioning of ovaries and the uterus.

Complete answer:
Oral contraceptive pill or birth controlling pill is consumed orally. These are medications that prevent unwanted pregnancies. They are also taken to reduce menstrual cramps or prevent anemia. It also comes with several side effects for some women. There are four types of contraceptive pills:
Combined pills - they are daily medications taken to avoid pregnancies. They have estrogen and progesterone.
Phased pills - they provide different hormones over a time period of three weeks.
Progestin only pills- these pills only contain progesterone. It is also called a mini pill. It is good for women who cannot take estrogen.
Emergency pills - these pills are used after intercourse to avoid pregnancy within the time duration of 72 hours.
Working of these pills: they block the ovulation, that is prevent releasing of eggs from the ovary. They alter the mucus in the cervix and prevent the entry of sperms. They alter the endometrium (lining of the uterus) so that it cannot support the fertilized egg.

Thus, the correct answer to this question is option ‘b’- (i) and (ii).

Note: As good as the pill deems to be good it is equally harmful for the body. It causes headaches, delayed menstrual cycles, weight gain, reduced libido, nausea, breast tenderness, anxiety and mood swings. Women with medical conditions such as severe hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, liver cancer should avoid taking estrogen containing birth control pills.