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Often called "the Pill", birth control pills contain two hormones - estrogen and progestin.
Birth control pills work by preventing the monthly release of an egg, making pregnancy
impossible. The Pill also prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus of the cervix, making it
difficult for sperm to reach both the uterus and fallopian tubes. One pill is taken daily for 3
weeks, at which point, either the woman stops taking a pill for a week or takes a pill without
hormones. It is during the fourth week while the pill is stopped that a women menstruates.
Different kinds of birth control pills contain different amounts of hormones. It is usually
recommended that the lowest possible dose required to be effective be taken. Lower doses
usually cause fewer potential side effects. The birth control pill is considered 99.9% effective
for those who take it properly. Key to successful use of the Pill is taking it every day and
starting a new cycle of pills on time
Birth control pills work by preventing the monthly release of an egg, making pregnancy
impossible. The Pill also prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus of the cervix, making it
difficult for sperm to reach both the uterus and fallopian tubes. One pill is taken daily for 3
weeks, at which point, either the woman stops taking a pill for a week or takes a pill without
hormones. It is during the fourth week while the pill is stopped that a women menstruates.
Different kinds of birth control pills contain different amounts of hormones. It is usually
recommended that the lowest possible dose required to be effective be taken. Lower doses
usually cause fewer potential side effects. The birth control pill is considered 99.9% effective
for those who take it properly. Key to successful use of the Pill is taking it every day and
starting a new cycle of pills on time
Hormonal methods, which include pills, shots, rings, and patches, are very reliable means of birth control.
Hormonal methods use two basic formulas: a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin only. Each type
has side effects but may also have benefits. They can cause nausea, irregular periods, and headaches, but they
can also lessen heavy periods and cramping. Progestin-only pills, also called "mini pills," must be taken at about
the same time every day to be effective.
Hormonal methods use two basic formulas: a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin only. Each type
has side effects but may also have benefits. They can cause nausea, irregular periods, and headaches, but they
can also lessen heavy periods and cramping. Progestin-only pills, also called "mini pills," must be taken at about
the same time every day to be effective.
Depo-Provera is an progestin contraceptive method wherein injections are administered
every 3 months. It provides effective birth control by inhibiting ovulation as a result of
suppressing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) levels, by the
development of a more shallow endometrial lining and by promoting the development of very
thick cervical mucus that is difficult for sperm to penetrate. Depo-Provera is considered highly
effective. Effectiveness in the first year is around 99.7%. Usually, the first injection of
Depo-Provera is administered during the first 5 days of the start of a menstrual cycle.
Another injection is administered every 3 months onward. There are certain health conditions
that may interfere with the effectiveness of Depo-Provera or that may cause unwanted side
effects. These should be discussed thoroughly with a doctor after taking a complete medical
history, having a pap smear and testing for any sexually transmitted diseases.
every 3 months. It provides effective birth control by inhibiting ovulation as a result of
suppressing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) levels, by the
development of a more shallow endometrial lining and by promoting the development of very
thick cervical mucus that is difficult for sperm to penetrate. Depo-Provera is considered highly
effective. Effectiveness in the first year is around 99.7%. Usually, the first injection of
Depo-Provera is administered during the first 5 days of the start of a menstrual cycle.
Another injection is administered every 3 months onward. There are certain health conditions
that may interfere with the effectiveness of Depo-Provera or that may cause unwanted side
effects. These should be discussed thoroughly with a doctor after taking a complete medical
history, having a pap smear and testing for any sexually transmitted diseases.
Norplant requires a surgical procedure using a local anesthetic where non biodegradable
silicone rubber capsules are implanted beneath the skin on the arm. The implant process
usually takes under 10 minutes and is painless. Norplant is immediately effective for birth
control if it is implanted in the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. Otherwise, it becomes
effective within 24 hours. Norplant has proven to be a very effective method of birth control,
with effectiveness rates considered to be around 99%. The implants usually stay in place for
a period of 5 years, at which time a new set of capsules can be implanted. Norplant has been
shown to be most effective for women whose weight is under 155 pounds. Norplant's
effectiveness decreases over time. There are a variety of reasons why some women are not
good candidates for Norplant, and a complete medical history should be considered by a
doctor prior to the procedure.
silicone rubber capsules are implanted beneath the skin on the arm. The implant process
usually takes under 10 minutes and is painless. Norplant is immediately effective for birth
control if it is implanted in the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. Otherwise, it becomes
effective within 24 hours. Norplant has proven to be a very effective method of birth control,
with effectiveness rates considered to be around 99%. The implants usually stay in place for
a period of 5 years, at which time a new set of capsules can be implanted. Norplant has been
shown to be most effective for women whose weight is under 155 pounds. Norplant's
effectiveness decreases over time. There are a variety of reasons why some women are not
good candidates for Norplant, and a complete medical history should be considered by a
doctor prior to the procedure.
The Patch is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a in, beige, plastic patch
that sticks to the skin. A new patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper
outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three out of four weeks. No patch is used in the
fourth week. The patch releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against
pregnancy for one month. The combination of hormones works in two ways. Usually, it keeps
the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Less often it thickens the cervical mucus, which
prevents sperm from joining with an egg. The patch is more than 99 percent effective at
preventing pregnancy.Delaying or missing a weekly application or removing a patch too early
can result in pregnancy. It is very important to remember that the patch does not protect
against sexually transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female condom with the Patch
to reduce the risk of infection.
that sticks to the skin. A new patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper
outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three out of four weeks. No patch is used in the
fourth week. The patch releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against
pregnancy for one month. The combination of hormones works in two ways. Usually, it keeps
the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Less often it thickens the cervical mucus, which
prevents sperm from joining with an egg. The patch is more than 99 percent effective at
preventing pregnancy.Delaying or missing a weekly application or removing a patch too early
can result in pregnancy. It is very important to remember that the patch does not protect
against sexually transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female condom with the Patch
to reduce the risk of infection.
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a device your doctor places inside your uterus to prevent
pregnancy. It's T-shaped, made of soft, flexible plastic and is about the size of a U.S.
quarter. Threads on the end of the IUD extend from the opening of the uterus (cervix) into the
upper vagina. Neither you nor your partner can feel them during intercourse. They're there to
help you check that the IUD is in place and to help you remove it. IUDs prevent pregnancy
by stopping sperm from meeting with an egg. Some also work by changing the lining of the
uterus so that a fertilized egg can't implant and thickening cervical mucous so that sperm
can't enter the uterus. IUDs are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This
means that out of 100 women who use an IUD for a year, on average only
one will become pregnant.
pregnancy. It's T-shaped, made of soft, flexible plastic and is about the size of a U.S.
quarter. Threads on the end of the IUD extend from the opening of the uterus (cervix) into the
upper vagina. Neither you nor your partner can feel them during intercourse. They're there to
help you check that the IUD is in place and to help you remove it. IUDs prevent pregnancy
by stopping sperm from meeting with an egg. Some also work by changing the lining of the
uterus so that a fertilized egg can't implant and thickening cervical mucous so that sperm
can't enter the uterus. IUDs are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This
means that out of 100 women who use an IUD for a year, on average only
one will become pregnant.
NuvaRing, a silicone ring with the female hormone estradiol can be placed in the vagina. It
remains in place for 3 weeks continuously, then it is removed for 1 week to allow for a
menstrual period. It continuously releases low levels of the hormone into the bloodstream for
the entire 3 weeks.There is currently one brand available, called NuvaRing. It is about 99%
effective in preventing pregnancy, the same high effectiveness as the other hormonal
methods of contraception. As with any hormonal birth control method, the NuvaRing does
not protect against sexually-transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female condom
with the NuvaRing to reduce the risk of infection.
remains in place for 3 weeks continuously, then it is removed for 1 week to allow for a
menstrual period. It continuously releases low levels of the hormone into the bloodstream for
the entire 3 weeks.There is currently one brand available, called NuvaRing. It is about 99%
effective in preventing pregnancy, the same high effectiveness as the other hormonal
methods of contraception. As with any hormonal birth control method, the NuvaRing does
not protect against sexually-transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female condom
with the NuvaRing to reduce the risk of infection.
