Hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraception uses synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, chiefly by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or altering the uterine lining.

Ovulation: The release of an egg from an ovary during the menstrual cycle. Many hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by stopping this release.
Combined oral contraceptive pill: A daily pill containing estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. It is a common short-acting hormonal method.
Copper intrauterine device: A hormone-free device placed in the uterus that releases copper to prevent pregnancy. It provides highly effective contraception without using hormones.
Menstrual suppression: The reduction or temporary absence of menstrual bleeding through medical or hormonal means. Some regimens reduce bleeding or allow users to skip scheduled withdrawal bleeding.
Cervical mucus: Fluid produced by glands in the cervix that changes in consistency across the menstrual cycle. Progestins thicken it, making sperm passage more difficult.
Progestin-only pill: An oral contraceptive containing progestin without estrogen. It offers an option when estrogen is unsuitable or not wanted.
Barrier contraception: Methods that physically block sperm from reaching an egg. Unlike hormonal methods, barriers do not suppress ovulation or alter hormone levels.
Venous thromboembolism: A blood clot that forms in a vein, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Estrogen-containing methods raise clot risk for some users.
Progestin: A synthetic compound with progesterone-like effects, used in contraceptives and other medicines. It suppresses ovulation in many methods and thickens cervical mucus.
Contraceptive implant: A small rod placed under the skin that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy. It provides long-acting contraception without daily action.

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