Obviously, effectiveness is decreased with missed pills or incorrect pill use. Talk to your health care provider about any concerns. For this reason, a latex condom with spermicide should be used in addition to the OC usage. The pill works in several ways to prevent pregnancy. When ovulation is stopped, there is no egg to be fertilized, and you cannot get pregnant.
Some pills have progestin only.
These pills may also prevent ovulation, but work more by thickening the cervical mucus. This provides a physical barrior between the sperm and an egg. Both types of pills may also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. OCs may be used for emergency contraception , but only under the direction of your health care provider. As with every medication, there are certain risks as well as benefits associated with using the pill.