How do the pills work?

There are different types of pills used for contraception, but the most commonly used ones are combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both types of pills work in different ways to prevent pregnancy.

Combination pills:
Combination pills contain a combination of synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin hormones. These pills work by:

Inhibiting ovulation:
- Combination pills work primarily by suppressing the release of an egg from the ovary, a process called ovulation.
- The synthetic hormones in the pills mimic the natural hormones produced by the body, which prevents the release of eggs.

Altering cervical mucus:
- Combination pills also alter the quality of cervical mucus, making it thicker and less favorable for sperm to swim through.
- The thickened cervical mucus acts as a barrier, preventing or retarding the entry of sperm into the uterus.

Progestin-only pills:
Progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, do not contain estrogen. These pills work by:

Inhibiting ovulation:
- Progestin-only pills primarily work by suppressing ovulation.
- These pills contain a synthetic form of the hormone progestin, which inhibits the release of eggs from the ovary.

Inhibiting spermatogenesis:
- Progestin-only pills also work by inhibiting spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production in males.
- The synthetic progestin in the pills acts to suppress the production and maturation of sperm in the testes.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the correct answer would be (a) i, ii, and iii. Combination pills inhibit ovulation, alter cervical mucus to prevent or retard the entry of sperms, and also inhibit spermatogenesis. Progestin-only pills work similarly by inhibiting ovulation and spermatogenesis. It is important to note that these pills are highly effective when used correctly and consistently, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable contraceptive method for individual needs.

B) 1 and 2