List of Birth Control Drugs

Women have many options when choosing birth control. One of the most popular options is birth control pills, which contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone can also be administered as a birth control injection, like Depo Provera. While not a regular birth control drug, emergency contraception contains higher levels of the hormones, which can prevent a pregnancy when the primary birth control fails.

Combination Birth Control Pills

Combination birth control pills, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center, are the most commonly used form of birth control pill. These types of birth control pills contain both estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. When combination birth control pills are used properly---taken every day at the same time without regurgitation, which prevents best absorption---they are nearly 100 percent effective. The hormone levels in each pill depends on the type of combination birth control pill used. Monophasic birth control pills, like Ortho-Cept, have 21 hormone pills with equal amounts of estrogen and progesterone. Multiphasic birth control pills, on the other hand, have varying levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout the month. Some forms of combination birth control pills contain a different combination of hormones; for example, Yaz contains drospirenone (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol.

Progestin-Only Pills

Progesterone-only birth control pills, also called the mini-pill, contain only synthetic progesterone. Progesterone-only birth control pills are ideal for women who cannot or are advised against taking estrogen-based birth control, such as smokers. According to the National Women's Health Resource Center, progesterone-only pills suppress ovulation and change the cervical mucus; however, the ovulation suppression is not continuous, so the main mechanism for preventing pregnancy is the mucus thickening.

Extended Cycle Pills

Extended cycle birth control pills, like Seasonique, do not contain non-hormone pills every month, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center. Therefore, women who use extended cycle birth control pills do not have their period every month. Extended cycle pills contain both estrogen and progesterone, like combination birth control pills.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, like Plan B, is another type of birth control drug; however, emergency contraception should not be taken as a primary form of birth control. High levels of hormones are present in emergency contraception, which prevent implantation; emergency contraception will not terminate an already existing pregnancy. Emergency contraception is given in two doses, 12 hours apart. In August 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Plan B One-Step, which contains the needed hormones in one dosage.

Birth Control Injection

Another birth control drug, the birth control injection, is an option for women who do not want to take a daily pill. The birth control injection, such as Depo Provera, contains synthetic progesterone and is given every 12 weeks, according to Planned Parenthood. However, women must schedule an appointment with her doctor or clinic to receive the birth control injection.