1. Daily Dose
Of the many ways to use hormonal methods of birth control, birth control pills are the oldest and most commonly used. There are many to choose from, but most of the pills are combined sources of progestogen and estrogen and are taken daily at the same time of day. A doctor prescribes birth control pills. The side effects are minimal.
2. Weekly Dose of Birth Control
The patch is one of the hormonal birth control methods that has become very popular in recent years. The patch goes on the skin on the arms, butt, thigh or stomach. Replace the patch after seven days for three weeks and on the fourth week the woman goes without.
3. Monthly Dose
NuvaRing is a relatively new form of birth control that has become very popular for those that have trouble remembering to take a daily pill. It is a flexible plastic ring inserted into the vagina above the pubic bone to hold it in place. The ring slowly releases the hormones so it requires replacement only once a month. The woman removes it after three weeks and after one week without replaces it with a new one. You can't feel the ring once inside and it in no way hinders sexual relations.
4. Inject It
Depo-Provera is one of the hormonal birth control options that has been in use for decades. A doctor injects it once every three months. The shot is very effective in preventing pregnancy. It has minimal side effects. Because it only contains progestogen, breastfeeding mothers can use it, which makes it a popular choice after giving birth. It is favored by many women who have trouble remembering daily birth control pills. It is often cheaper than other forms of hormonal birth control as well.
5. Long Term Protection
Implants and intrauterine devices are both long-term solutions for hormonal birth control. Both are highly effective and last up to five years. They are expensive at first, but if used for five years are worth the investment. A doctor, in an easy outpatient procedure, puts both in place. If lifestyles change and the woman decides she wants pregnancy, it is possible to remove either earlier than five years. An intrauterine device is placed in the uterus, while an implant is placed under the arm.
