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oral contraceptive

oral contraceptive

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

oral contraceptive Any hormonal preparation taken in the form of a pill to prevent conception (see birth control). The most common form is the combined pill, which contains an oestrogen and a progestogen. Both act to suppress ovulation, while the progestogen additionally causes changes in the viscosity of cervical mucus and alters the lining of the womb, both of which decrease the chances of fertilization should ovulation occur. The so-called ‘minipill’ contains only a progestogen and has fewer side effects than the combined pill. Emergency contraception (the so-called ‘morning-after pill’), to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, consists of two spaced doses of either a combined oestrogen–progestogen preparation or an oestrogen alone, the first dose being taken within 72 hours of intercourse.
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"oral contraceptive." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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oral contraceptive

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

oral contraceptive n. the Pill: 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 acts on the pituitary gland to block the normal control of the menstrual cycle.
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"oral contraceptive." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"oral contraceptive." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-oralcontraceptive.html

"oral contraceptive." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-oralcontraceptive.html

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