Hormonal Birth Control
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Hormonal Birth Control
Method
Using the method
Some side effects and risks
Implantable rod
Hormones it contains: Progestin
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: Less than 1
Must be inserted by a doctor.
Nothing to do or remember.
Lasts up to 3 years.
Most common side effects:
- Bleeding between periods
- Changes in periods
Bleeding between periods
Changes in periods
Other possible side effects:
- Headache
- Acne
- Sore breasts
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
Headache
Acne
Sore breasts
Weight gain
Mood changes
IUD with progestin
Hormones it contains: Progestin
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: Less than 1
Must be inserted by a doctor.
Nothing to do or remember.
Lasts 3 to 5 years depending on type.
Most common side effects:
- Bleeding between periods
- Regular periods may stop
Bleeding between periods
Regular periods may stop
Other possible side effects:
- Cramps
Cramps
Potential but uncommon risks:
- IUD can slip out
- IUD can damage the uterus
- Insertion of IUD can lead to a type of infection that can make it hard for a woman to get pregnant after the IUD is removed
IUD can slip out
IUD can damage the uterus
Insertion of IUD can lead to a type of infection that can make it hard for a woman to get pregnant after the IUD is removed
Shot/injection
Hormones it contains: Progestin
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: 6
Doctor or nurse must give you a shot every 3 months.
Most common side effects:
- Bleeding between periods
- Regular periods may stop
Bleeding between periods
Regular periods may stop
Other possible side effects:
- Temporary bone thinning
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Hair loss or increased hair on face or body
- Sore breasts
- Headache
Temporary bone thinning
Weight gain
Mood changes
Hair loss or increased hair on face or body
Sore breasts
Headache
Progestin-only pill
Hormones it contains: Progestin
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: 9
You must swallow a pill at the same time every day.
Most common side effects:
- Bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills than with combined estrogen-progestin pills)
Bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills than with combined estrogen-progestin pills)
Other possible side effects:
- Sore breasts
- Acne
Sore breasts
Acne
Combination estrogen-progestin pill
Hormones it contains: Progestin and estrogen
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: 9
You must swallow a pill every day.
Most common side effects:
- Bleeding between periods
- Decreased bleeding during period
Bleeding between periods
Decreased bleeding during period
Other possible side effects:
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
Nausea
Changes in mood
Rare but serious risks include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- High blood pressure
- Liver tumors
- Gallstones
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Heart attack
Stroke
Blood clots
High blood pressure
Liver tumors
Gallstones
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Patch
Hormones it contains: Progestin and estrogen
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: 9
You must wear a patch on your skin all the time for 3 weeks. Every week, you change the patch. During the fourth week, you go without a patch.
Side effects and risks similar to those of combined estrogen-progestin pills, but the patch causes higher average levels of estrogen than most pills. This may increase the risk of blood clots.
Other possible side effects:
- Skin irritation where patch is applied
Skin irritation where patch is applied
Vaginal ring
Hormones it contains: Progestin and estrogen
Expected pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use: 9
You must put the ring into your vagina and leave it in for 3 weeks. During the fourth week, you go without a ring.
Side effects and risks similar to those of combined estrogen-progestin pill. (Breast soreness and nausea may be less than with the pill.)
Other possible side effects:
- Vaginal discharge or irritation
Vaginal discharge or irritation
The methods listed here all require a prescription. This table applies to women without medical problems, such as a history of cancer, blood clots, or liver disease. If you have any medical problems, ask your doctor or nurse whether you should avoid any type of hormonal birth control. If you are breastfeeding, mention that to your doctor or nurse when you choose birth control.
Graphic 75100 Version 4.0
NuvaRing
This ring stays inside the vagina for 3 weeks at a time. It delivers hormones into the body that help prevent pregnancy.
Graphic 73663 Version 3.0
NuvaRing
This ring stays inside the vagina for 3 weeks at a time. It delivers hormones into the body that help prevent pregnancy.
Graphic 73663 Version 3.0