A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.
Contraceptives are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives consist of one or more synthetic female sex hormones (estrogen and progestin or progestin only). These sex hormones prevent pregnancy by blocking the normal process of ovulation. They may also alter the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so that it is unable to support a fertilized egg and they change the mucus in the cervix so that it is hard for the sperm to travel hence conception is less likely should ovulation occur.
These hormones are either taken as regular doses in pill form (oral contraceptives), or are administered through the skin by means of a patch impregnated with hormones. They can also be given by three monthly injections of a long acting progestin, or by subcutaneous implants of progestin. They are also available as hormonal intrauterine devices and vaginal rings.
See also
Medical conditions associated with contraceptives:
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Acne
- Amenorrhea
- Birth Control
- Emergency Contraception
- Endometrial Cancer
- Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis
- Endometriosis
- Gonadotropin Inhibition
- Menstrual Disorders
- Ovarian Cysts
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Postmenopausal Symptoms
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Prevention of Osteoporosis
- Renal Cell Carcinoma
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