Hormonal
Hormonal Contraceptives at a Glance:
| The patch | Oral contraceptives | Contraceptive injection | Progestin-releasing intrauterine device | Vaginal ring | Contraceptive rod | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also called: | Ortho Evra | The pill | Depo Provera | IUD | Nuvaring | Implanon |
| How effective is this method? | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| How many options are available? | 1 | multiple | 2: - monthly injections - 3-month injection |
1* | 1 | 1 |
| How often do I need to use it? | The patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks. During the 4th week, no patch is used. | You need to take your pill every day, at approximately the same time each day. | You receive an injection every other month for every 3 months. | The suggested length of use is 5 years or less. | The vaginal ring is inserted for 3 weeks. During week 4 you do not wear the ring. | Once inserted, it can be left for up to 3 years. |
| Are there any interruptions with this method? | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. |
| How quickly can I get pregnant if I stop using this method? | Once stopped, it may take a few cycles before you can get pregnant. | Once stopped, it may take a few cycles before you can get pregnant. | Ovulation may be delayed up to a year. | Once removed, fertility may return within one year. | Once stopped, it may take a few cycles before you can get pregnant. | Once removed, fertility returns almost immediately. |
| Do I need to see a healthcare professional to start this method? | Yes, you need to learn how to apply the patch correctly. | Yes, you may need instructions on the correct way to take the pill. | Yes, a healthcare provider administers the injection. | Yes, your healthcare provider inserts and removes the IUD. | Yes, you need to learn how to correctly insert and remove the ring. | Yes, your healthcare provider inserts and removes the rod. |
| Do I need a prescription? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Does this method protect against HIV and STIs? | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. |
oral contraception
- Hormone pills come in packs, with each pack containing 3 weeks of hormone pills. During the fourth week, when you do not receive hormones, you have a menstrual period. (One type of birth control pill is sold in 84-day packs, for fewer periods per year.)
contraceptive injection
- One injection of Depo-Provera is effective for 12 to 13 weeks.
- More information about the contraceptive injection can be found at depoprovera.com.
progestin-releasing intrauterine device
- Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD. The levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD, also known as Mirena, releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of progestin. The LNg IUD appears to be slightly more effective at preventing pregnancy than the copper IUD. Also, unlike other IUDs, it may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The LNg IUD is effective for at least 5 years.
- Learn more about hormone-releasing IUDs at mirena.com.
vaginal ring
- The hormone vaginal ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. This gives you continuous birth control for the month. On the first day of the fourth week, you remove the ring. You then have a menstrual period. The exact position of the ring in the vagina is not critical for the ring to work.
- More information can be found at nuvaring.com.
the patch
- The hormone patch releases estrogen and progestin through your skin for 7 days. Over a 4-week period, you use one patch per week for 3 weeks, then no patch for 1 week. During this week, you have a menstrual period. You can wear the patch on your lower abdomen, upper torso (not breasts), buttocks, or upper arm.
- Learn more about the patch at Transdermal-Patch.
contraceptive rod
- The progestin-only implant (Nexplanon) releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for 3 years. The actual implant is a thin rod about the size of a matchstick. This is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.
- More information about the contraceptive rod can be found at nexplanon.com.