The Pill
95-99% Effective
What Is It?
The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus.
How Does It Work?
Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
Most combination pills come in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack. One hormone pill is taken each day at about the same time for 21 days. Then, you will take a pill that contains no hormones for 7 days (the 28-day pack). A woman has her period when she stops taking the pills that contain hormones.
Any type of birth control pill works best when it is taken every single day at the same time of day, regardless of whether you are going to have sex. This is especially important with progesterone-only pills.
For the first 7 days of taking the Pill, you should use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After 7 days, the Pill should work alone to prevent pregnancy. But continuing to use condoms will protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
If pills are skipped or forgotten, you are not protected against pregnancy and you will need a backup form of birth control, such as condoms. Or you will need to stop having sex for a while. Do not take a friend's or relative's pills.
How Well Does It Work?
Over the course of 1 year, 5 to 8 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the Pill to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you take your birth control pills every day. The Pill is an effective form of birth control, but even missing 1 day increases the chance of getting pregnant.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications or herbal supplements that might interfere with its use. For example, antibiotics or an herb like St. John's wort can interfere with the effectiveness of the Pill.
How well a particular method of birth control works also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and whether the person remembers to use it correctly all the time.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control pill does not protect against STDs. Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the Pill to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (the decision to not have sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
The birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who take the Pill have none to very few side effects. The side effects that some women have while on the Pill include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
- mood changes
- blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)
Some of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on the Pill. IF there are side effects, a doctor will sometimes prescribe a different brand of the Pill.
The Pill also has some side effects that most women are happy about. It usually makes periods much lighter, reduces cramps, and is often prescribed for women who have menstrual problems. Taking the Pill often improves acne, and some doctors prescribe it for this purpose. Birth control pills have also been found to protect against some forms of breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Who Uses It?
Young women who can remember to take a pill each day and who want excellent protection from pregnancy use birth control pills.
Not all women can — or should — use the Pill. In some cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the Pill less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for women who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or certain types of migraine headaches. It's recommended that ladies who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their doctor.
How Do You Get It?
A doctor, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the Pill. She will also plan to do a pap smear and breast exam. The provider will often prescribe 3 months' worth of pills and explain when to begin taking the Pill and what to do if pills are missed.
The doctor will usually ask the you to come back in 3 months to have your blood pressure checked and to see if you are having any problems. If not, you can get another prescription for 6 to 12 months. After that, girls who are having sex should get routine exams every 6 months to a year, or as recommended by a doctor. Older, married women with no new partners can be seen just once a year.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Pill usually costs between $20 and $50 a month, depending on the type. Our clinic offers birth control at low cost. In addition, birth control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health insurance plans.
The Mini Pill
95-99% Effective
Another kind of pill that may change the number of monthly periods is the low-dose progesterone pill, sometimes called the mini-pill. This type of birth control pill differs from the other pills in that it only contains one type of hormone — progesterone — rather than a combination of estrogen and progesterone. It works by changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus, and sometimes by affecting ovulation as well. The mini-pill can be slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy.
The mini-pill is taken every day without a break. A woman who is taking the mini-pill may have no period at all or she may go several months without a period. For the minipill to work, it must be taken at the same time every day, without missing any doses.
Any type of birth control pill works best when it is taken every single day at the same time of day, regardless of whether you are going to have sex. This is especially important with progesterone-only pills.
For the first 7 days of taking the Pill, you should use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After 7 days, the Pill should work alone to prevent pregnancy. But continuing to use condoms will protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
If pills are skipped or forgotten, you are not protected against pregnancy and you will need a backup form of birth control, such as condoms. Or you will need to stop having sex for a while. Do not take a friend's or relative's pills.
How Well Does It Work?
Over the course of 1 year, 5 to 8 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the Pill to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you take your birth control pills every day. The Pill is an effective form of birth control, but even missing 1 day increases the chance of getting pregnant.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications or herbal supplements that might interfere with its use. For example, antibiotics or an herb like St. John's wort can interfere with the effectiveness of the Pill.
How well a particular method of birth control works also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and whether the person remembers to use it correctly all the time.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control pill does not protect against STDs. Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the Pill to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (the decision to not have sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
The birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who take the Pill have none to very few side effects. The side effects that some women have while on the Pill include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
- mood changes
- blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)
Some of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on the Pill. IF there are side effects, a doctor will sometimes prescribe a different brand of the Pill.
The Pill also has some side effects that most women are happy about. It usually makes periods much lighter, reduces cramps, and is often prescribed for women who have menstrual problems. Taking the Pill often improves acne, and some doctors prescribe it for this purpose. Birth control pills have also been found to protect against some forms of breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Who Uses It?
Young women who can remember to take a pill each day and who want excellent protection from pregnancy use birth control pills.
Not all women can — or should — use the Pill. In some cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the Pill less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for women who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or certain types of migraine headaches. It's recommended that ladies who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their doctor.
How Do You Get It?
A doctor, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the Pill. She will also plan to do a pap smear and breast exam. The provider will often prescribe 3 months' worth of pills and explain when to begin taking the Pill and what to do if pills are missed.
The doctor will usually ask the you to come back in 3 months to have your blood pressure checked and to see if you are having any problems. If not, you can get another prescription for 6 to 12 months. After that, girls who are having sex should get routine exams every 6 months to a year, or as recommended by a doctor. Older, married women with no new partners can be seen just once a year.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Pill usually costs between $20 and $50 a month, depending on the type. Our clinic offers birth control at low cost. In addition, birth control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health insurance plans.
Depoprovera
99% Effective
What Is It?
The birth control shot is a long-acting form of progesterone, a hormone that is naturally manufactured in a woman’s ovaries. The shot is given as an injection in the upper arm or in the buttocks once every 3 months to protect you from becoming pregnant.
How Does It Work?
The hormone progesterone in the birth control shot primarily works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). If you don’t ovulate, you cannot get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.
How Well Does It Work?
The birth control shot is a very effective method of birth control. Over the course of 1 year, fewer than 3 out of 100 typical couples who use the birth control shot every 3 months will have an accidental pregnancy. The chance of getting pregnant increases if you wait longer than 3 months to receive your next shot.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere with its use. It also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and whether the person remembers to use it correctly all of the time.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control shot does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . In fact there are studies that show that the birth control shot may possibly increase the risk of getting certain STDs. Scientists do not understand why, however.
Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the birth control shot to protect against STDs. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Many young women who receive the birth control shot will notice a change in their periods. Other possible side effects include:
- irregular or no menstrual periods
- weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness
- depression
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety warning with regard to the use of the long-acting progesterone shot. Studies link this shot to a loss of bone density in women, although bone density may recover when a woman is no longer getting the shot.
Doctors are not sure how this type of shot may affect the bone density of adolescent girls in the future, though. Girls who are receiving the shot should make sure that they are getting enough calcium each day, either through their diet or by taking calcium supplements.
Smoking increases a your chances of the other side effects of the shot.
Who Uses It?
Every method of birth control should be considered in light of what works for the individual. Young women who have a hard time remembering to take birth control pills and who want extremely good protection against pregnancy use the birth control shot. Also, nursing mothers can use the birth control shot.
Not all women can — or should — use the birth control shot. In some cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the shot less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for women who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or certain types of migraine headaches. Women who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their doctors.
How Do You Get It?
The shot must be prescribed and is given every 3 months in a doctor's office.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each injection (3 months' worth of birth control) costs $65. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of birth control shots.
The Patch
99% Effective
What Is It?
The birth control patch is a thin, beige, 1¾-inch (4½-centimeter) square patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs.
How Does It Work?
The combination of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the patch prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries during a girl's monthly cycle). If an egg isn't released, you can't get pregnant because there's nothing for a guy's sperm to fertilize.
The hormones in the patch also thicken the mucus produced in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus so that if the egg is fertilized it will have a hard time attaching to the wall of the uterus.
Like other birth control methods that use hormones, you use the birth control patch based on your monthly menstrual cycle. You put on the patch on the first day of your menstrual cycle. You will place the patch on your skin once a week for 3 weeks in a row. (The patch should be applied to one of four areas: the abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso — except for the breasts.) On the fourth week, no patch is worn, and the period should start during this time.
It's important to apply a new patch on the same day every week to ensure that it keeps working effectively. For example, a woman who applies her first patch on a Monday should always apply her patches on a Monday. When it's time to change the patch, pull the old one off first, before applying a new patch. Place the new patch on a different area from the old patch (but still on one of the four recommended areas listed above) to avoid skin irritation. Don't apply the patch to skin that is red, irritated, or cut.
For the first 7 days on the patch, use an additional form of contraception as well to prevent pregnancy.
If you forget to apply a new patch on the right day, or if the patch becomes loose and falls off, read the instructions that come in the package or call your doctor. If this happens you may need to use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) or stop having sex for a while to protect against pregnancy. Also, if you stop using the patch for any reason, you will need to begin using another method of birth control, usually after 24 hours of removing your last patch.
It's OK to participate in normal activities like swimming and exercise while wearing the patch. You can also get it wet in the shower or in the bath. However, the patch should not be moved or removed until the week is up (pulling the patch off to reposition or move it may cause it to lose some of its stickiness and it might fall off easily). Don't try to change the size of a patch by trimming it and don't try to attach it with tape. Your doctor will be able to advise you if the patch falls off.
The patch should not be applied over makeup, creams, lotions, powder, or other skin products as these may prevent it from sticking well. (Skin products may also affect how hormones are absorbed by the skin.)
How Well Does It Work?
Ongoing studies suggest the birth control patch may be as effective as the birth control pill. That means that about 5 to 8 out of 100 couples will have an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use. Of course, the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you use the patch correctly. Delaying or missing a weekly application or removing a patch too early reduces its effectiveness and increases the chance a girl will become pregnant. For Women who weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kilograms), the contraceptive patch may be less effective in preventing pregnancy.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere with the patch. How effective the patch is at preventing pregnancy also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and whether the person remembers to use it correctly all the time.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control patch does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the birth control patch to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (the decision to not have sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
The birth control patch is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who use the patch have no side effects. Smoking cigarettes while using the patch can increase your risk of certain side effects, which is why health professionals advise women who use the patch not to smoke.
The side effects that some women have while using the patch are similar to those experienced with the birth control pill. These may include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
- mood changes
- blood clots (these are rare in women under 35 who do not smoke, but there may be a higher risk with the patch than with the Pill)
Other possible side effects seen in patch users include:
- skin reactions at the site of application of the patch
- problems with contact lens use — a change in vision or inability to wear the lenses
- menstrual cramps
These side effects are usually mild and tend to disappear after 2 or 3 months.
Who Uses It?
The birth control patch may be a good choice for sexually active young women who weigh less than 198 pounds (90 kilograms) and find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day or who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Not all women can — or should — use the birth control patch. In some cases, medical or other conditions make the use of the patch less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for women who have had blood clots, severe high blood pressure, certain types of cancers, certain types of migraine headaches, or diabetes with certain problems. It's recommended that girls who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their doctors, discontinue using the patch, and use another form of birth control in the meantime.
How Do You Get It?
A doctor or physician’s assistant must prescribe the patch. She will ask questions about health and family medical history, and may plan to do a complete physical exam, including a blood pressure measurement and a pelvic exam.
Those who start using the patch may be asked to return within a few months for a blood pressure measurement and to ensure that there are no problems. After that, a doctor may recommend routine exams once or twice a year or as needed.
How Much Does It Cost?
The patch usually costs between $30 and $35 a month, although health and family planning clinics . In addition, the birth control patch and doctor's visits are covered by many health insurance plans.
