Oral Contraceptives Work by _____

Question

Oral contraceptives work by _____.  
A) changing the pH of the uterus so sperm cannot live
B) changing the temperature of the uterus so sperm cannot live
C) blocking the entrance to the uterus
D) killing sperm
E) preventing ovulation

Accepted Answer

Oral contraceptives work primarily by preventing ovulation. They contain synthetic hormones that inhibit the release of an egg from the ovaries, which means there is no egg available for fertilization by sperm. While some types of oral contraceptives may have secondary effects on cervical mucus or the lining of the uterus that make it less hospitable to sperm, those effects are not the primary mechanism of action.