There are several hormonal methods of birth control available to help avoid pregnancy. These methods contain either a synthetic version of estrogen and progestin, the two dominant hormones in a woman's menstrual cycle, or they simply contain progestin alone. These hormones stop your body from ovulating or releasing an egg. There may be medical reasons why a woman should choose one method over another, so talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about which method is right for you. No birth control method protects you against sexually transmitted infections, except condoms.
Combination Pills
Combination oral birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin. They must be taken orally every day to be effective in preventing pregnancy. Common side effects include spotting, breast tenderness and nausea. According to C. Sinclair, CNM, combined oral contraceptive pills are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Progestin-Only Pills
The progestin-only pill, or the "mini-pill", is taken orally every day at the same time. If you take your pill more than three hours later than the usual time, you are at risk of pregnancy. Three hours can be enough time for the level of synthetic hormones to drop, allowing your own hormones to work again. Ovulation is more likely to occur when this happens. The "mini-pill" isn't a good choice if you have an erratic schedule. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding. According to C. Sinclair, CNM, progestin-only oral contraceptive pills are 95 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
NuvaRing
The NuvaRing is a small, flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month and left there for three weeks. It is taken out of the vagina on the fourth week of the month, which is when a woman has her period. After the fourth week, a new ring is inserted and the schedule starts over again. The NuvaRing contains estrogen and progestin. Common side effects include spotting, breast tenderness and nausea. The NuvaRing is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Evra Patch
The Evra patch is a small patch that sticks to your skin and slowly releases estrogen and progestin. It has to be changed weekly for three weeks. No patch is used on the fourth week,so that a woman can have her period. Common side effects are spotting, breast tenderness and nausea. The Evra patch is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Intrauterine Device
An intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted into your uterus through the vagina and cervix while you are at the clinic. There are two types of IUDs--the Mirena and the Paragard. The Mirena contains progestin and can be left in the uterus for five years. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding.The Paragard contains copper and no hormones. It can be left in the uterus for up to 12 years. Common side effects are heavy bleeding and cramping. IUDs are 98 to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Implanon
Implanon is a single rod containing progestin that is inserted into the upper part of your arm. It's the size of a match stick and is inserted in a way similar to getting a shot. It slowly releases the hormone over a three-year period. It can only be inserted and removed at your health care provider's office. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding. According to Planned Parenthood, less than one in 100 women will get pregnant in a year using Implanon.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera contains only progestin. It is given by a shot at your health care provider's office every 12 weeks. Common side effects are irregular bleeding, weight gain and an increased risk of osteoporosis. To decrease your risk of osteoporosis, it is recommended to take a calcium supplement daily and participate in weight-bearing exercises. If you have a history of depression, this is not a good choice for you, as it can cause or worsen depression. Depo-Provera is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
References
- A Midwife's Handbook; C. Sinclair; 2004
- Planned Parenthood: Implanon
- Planned Parenthood: Evra Patch
- Planned Parenthood: Nuva Ring
