What is the function of pills?

Options

A. Inhibit ovulation
B. Increase phagocytosis of sperm
C. Retard entry of sperm
D. Both a and c

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Contraceptive Pills**:
- Contraceptive pills, commonly referred to as "pills," are medications taken to prevent pregnancy. They are usually taken by women and can be classified into various types.

2. **Timing of Consumption**:
- These pills are typically consumed within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse to be effective.

3. **Mechanism of Action**:
- The primary function of contraceptive pills is to inhibit fertilization. They achieve this through several mechanisms:
- **Inhibit Ovulation**: The pills alter the hormonal environment, preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for fertilization.
- **Increase Phagocytosis of Sperm**: The pills can enhance the immune response, leading to increased phagocytosis of sperm, which means that the body can effectively eliminate sperm cells that may have entered the reproductive tract.
- **Retard Entry of Sperm**: The pills can also create a barrier that makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, thus preventing fertilization.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the mechanisms described, the main functions of contraceptive pills include inhibiting ovulation and retarding the entry of sperm. Therefore, both the first and third options are correct.

5. **Final Answer**:
- The function of pills is to inhibit ovulation and retard the entry of sperm, thus preventing fertilization and pregnancy.