oral contraceptive

contraceptive /con·tra·cep·tive/ (-sep´tiv)

1. diminishing the likelihood of or preventing conception.

2. an agent that so acts.

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barrier contraceptive  a contraceptive device that physically prevents spermatozoa from entering the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes.

chemical contraceptive  a spermicidal agent inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

emergency contraceptive  postcoital c.

intrauterine contraceptive  see under device.

oral contraceptive  a hormonal compound taken orally in order to block ovulation and prevent the occurrence of pregnancy.

postcoital contraceptive  one that blocks or terminates pregnancy after sexual intercourse.

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oral contraceptive

n.

A pill, typically containing estrogen or progesterone, that prevents conception or pregnancy. Also called birth control pill.

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oral contraceptive (OC),

oral hormone medication for contraception. The two major sex hormones in females are estrogens and progestins. When synthetic forms of these hormones are taken, they inhibit the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus. The pituitary therefore does not secrete gonadotropins to stimulate follicular maturation and ovulation. Depending on the formulation, cyclical changes in the uterus, vagina, and breasts may be similar to a normal menstrual cycle. Progestin-only oral contraceptives generally do not block ovulation. Instead they cause the cervical mucus to remain thick, which prevents the entry of sperm into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Seasonale, an extended-cycle method of contraception with menstrual periods every three months, was recently approved by the FDA. Contraindications to the oral contraceptives include pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, hyperlipidemia, thrombotic complications, coronary artery disease, and sickle cell disease. Patients with depression and migraine headaches and those who are heavy cigarette smokers need to be followed up more often. The pregnancy rate when oral contraceptives are used correctly is less than 0.2% a year. See also contraception.

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oral

1. pertaining to the mouth; taken through or applied in the mouth, as an oral medication.

2. denoting that aspect of the teeth which faces the oral cavity or tongue.

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oral cavity

see mouth.

oral contraceptive

contraceptive agent taken by mouth.

oral dysphagia

see oropharyngeal dysphagia.

oral necrobacillosis

an infectious stomatitis of calves caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. There are deep necrotic ulcers in the mouth, e.g. lateral to the molar teeth, foul breath, drooling saliva, fever and toxemia. See also calf diphtheria. Called also necrotic stomatitis.

oral neoplasm

is usually squamous cell carcinoma of the gum epithelium. It impedes mastication.

oral plasmacytoma

an unusual benign oral neoplasm of older dogs; appears as a red, lobulated, raised mass on the gingiva.

oral plate

separates the stomodeum from the pharyngeal cavity; subsequently breaks down to become the palatoglossal arch; called also oropharyngeal membrane.

oral restraint

the use of a mouth speculum, gag or wedge to permit examination and the carrying out of procedures in the mouth without danger of being bitten.

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oral contraceptive

Gynecology A preparation of synthetic hormones intended to make a ♀ inconceivable by inhibiting ovulation OC formats Sequential method, combined method. See Biphasic contraceptive, Contraceptives, Monophase contraceptive, Third-generation contraceptive, Triphasic contraceptive.

Oral contraceptives, contraindications

Age–over 35

Breast CA or other estrogen-dependent malignancy

Breast-feeding and < 6 weeks after delivery

Cardiovascular defects–acute MI, ASHD, CVA/TIA

Circulatory defects–varicose veins, phlebitis

Cystic fibrosis

Diabetes and long-term OC use

Hypertension

Liver disease–hepatitis, CA, neoplasms

Migraines

Obesity–BMI > 30

Pregnancy–current, suspected, or recently ended

Sickle-cell disease

Smoking–especially > 1 pack/day