Birth control pills

How does it work?

• A pill is taken once a day.
• Comes in 21 or 28-day packs.
• Contains either the hormone progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen.
• Stops the ovary from releasing an egg (ovulation).
• Changes the lining of the uterus and makes it difficult for the egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
• Thickens the cervical mucus and makes it more difficult for the sperm to travel into the uterus.
• Requires a prescription.

Advantages

• 92 to 99.7% effective.
• Menstrual periods may be shorter in length and lighter in flow with less cramping.
• Regulates periods.
• May reduce the risk of some cancers of the reproductive system.
• May improve acne.
• Easily reversible.
• Allows for unplanned sex.

Disadvantages

• Should be taken about the same time every day to keep a steady level of hormones in the body.
• Some side effects such as stomach upset, breast tenderness, bleeding between periods and headaches.
• People with certain conditions may not be able to take the pill due to increased risk of a blood clot (for example, smokers over the age of 35, or people with high blood pressure).
• The combination pill containing progestin and estrogen is not recommended for people who smoke.

Transdermal patch (“the patch”)

How does it work?

• The patch is a piece of polyester4-centimetres square that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin.
• Hormones are absorbed through the skin.
• Stops the ovary from releasing an egg (ovulation).
• Thickens the cervical mucus and makes it more difficult for the sperm to travel into the uterus.
• Changes the lining of the uterus and makes it difficult for the egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.

Advantages

• 92 to 99.7% effective.
• May reduce the risk of some cancers of the reproductive system.
• Menstrual periods may be shorter in length and lighter in flow with less cramping.
• Regulates periods.
• Wear the same patch for 7 days in a row.
• Not swallowed, so there is less chance of stomach upset.
• May improve acne.
• Is easily reversible.
• Allows for unplanned sex.

Disadvantages

• Is not recommend for people who smoke.
• May be less effective for people who weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kilograms).
• Possible skin irritation where the patch is placed.
• You must remember to change the patch as directed for it to work.
• Some side effects such as breast tenderness, stomach upset, bleeding between periods and headaches.
• Small chance of the patch becoming loose or falling off.
• People with certain conditions may not be able to use the patch due to increased risk of a blood clot (for example, smokers over the age of 35 years, or people with high blood pressure).

Contraceptive ring

How does it work?

• A flexible ring is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones estrogen and progestin.
• Hormones are absorbed through the lining of the vagina.
• Stops the ovary from releasing an egg (ovulation).
• Thickens the cervical mucus and makes it difficult for the egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
• Changes the lining of the uterus and makes it difficult for the egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
• Stays in the vagina for 21 days, then removed for 7 days and allows for a regular period.
• The ring is inserted and removed by the user, not by a nurse or doctor
• Requires a prescription.

Advantages

• 92 to 99.7% effective.
• Does not need to be removed before or after intercourse.
• Rarely felt by user and/or partner.
• If felt during intercourse can be removed but cannot be out longer than 3 hours.
• Regulates periods.
• Less chance of stomach upset.
• Can be used by a healthy, non-smoking person of any age.
• Allows for unplanned sex.
• Easily reversible.

Disadvantages

• Some side effects such as stomach upset, bleeding between periods, headaches, breast tenderness.
• May accidently slip out under certain conditions.
• Some people may not be able to use the ring due to increased risk of a blood clot (for example, smokers over the age of 35, or people with high blood pressure).

Injection method

How does it work?

• Injection that contains only the hormone progestin (there is no estrogen in this method).
• Must get the injection every 12 weeks.
• Stops the ovary from releasing an egg (ovulation).
• Thickens the cervical mucus and makes it more difficult for the sperm to travel into the uterus.
• Requires a prescription.

Advantages

• 97 to 99.7% effective.
• Each injection last 12 weeks.
• Effective right away if injection occurs during the first 5 days of a normal period.
• Allows for unplanned sex.
• Periods may be shorter in length and lighter in flow or may no longer occur at all.
• Can be used by people who are unable to use estrogen (for example, those over the age of 35 who smoke).
• Reversible.

Disadvantages

• Side effects may include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, weight changes, breast tenderness, mood changes, and headaches.
• Slower return of fertility—not recommended if you plan to become pregnant in the next 1 to 2 years.
• Side effects can last up to 6 to 8 months after the last injection.
• Affects bone density and is not recommended for long-term use.