Hormonal Methods
Combined Oral Contraceptives (The Pill) - The combined oral contraceptive (COC) is a pill that contains two hormones: progestin and estrogen. The pill works by interfering with ovulation or preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. The pill should be taken once daily at the same time each day. Three weeks out of the month, the woman will be taking an active pill which contains hormones that prevent ovulation. The other week out of the month, the woman will take an inactive pill which contains no hormones. The inactive pills acts simply as a reminder pill and allow the woman to experience menstruation once a month. The pill works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. Also, the pill may conflict with certain prescription medications that one may be taking at the time. A prescription is needed for this form of birth control and can cost anywhere from $0-$50 dollars. The pill is not recommended for women over the age of 35 or women who smoke tobacco because it may increase your risk of serious health issues such as blood clots, cancer and strokes. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) - The progestin-only pill contains only the hormone progestin. It works to thicken the cervical mucus which prevents the sperm from getting to the egg. The pill should be taken once daily at the same time each day. Three weeks out of the month, the woman will be taking an active pill which contains hormones that prevent ovulation. The other week out of the month, the woman will take an inactive pill which contains no hormones. The inactive pills acts simply as a reminder pill and allow the woman to experience menstruation once a month. The pill works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. Also, the pill may conflict with certain prescription medications that one may be taking at the time. A prescription is needed for this form of birth control and can cost anywhere from $0-$50 dollars. The pill is not recommended for women over the age of 35 or women who smoke tobacco because it may increase your risk of serious health issues such as blood clots, cancer and strokes. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Contraceptive Patch - The contraceptive patch is a thin, plastic, beige patch that can be placed on the lower abdomen, buttock, outer arm or back. The patch releases hormones through the skin which enter the bloodstream. The hormones work to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch has also been known to increase the thickness of cervical mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing the egg. The patch is replaced once a week for three weeks followed by a patch-free week. The patch works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. Also, the patch may conflict with certain prescription medications that one may be taking at the time. A prescription is needed for this form of birth control and can cost anywhere from $0-$80 dollars. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Injectable Birth Control - Injectable birth control, the shot, or Depo-Provera (Depo Shot) is a shot of injectable progestin. The shot can be given in the arm or buttock every three months. It work to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. The shot has also been know to increase the thickness of cervical mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing the egg. The shot works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. A prescription is needed for this form of birth control and can cost anywhere from $0-$100 dollars plus any exam fees. It has been shown that use of the shot from longer than two years may result in bone thinning. In this case, women should take extra precaution and supplement calcium and vitamin D and/or be sure to have a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Implantable Rods - A contraceptive implant is a matchstick-size plastic rod that is surgically inserted into a woman's upper arm. The rod releases progestin into the body. It works to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. The rod has also been know to increase the thickness of cervical mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing the egg. Once the rod is in place, it can last up to three years. The rod works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. A healthcare professional is needed to implant the rod into the upper arm of the patient. The rod costs anywhere from $0-$800 dollars up front; however, since it lasts three years, this can be a cost effective method of birth control. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Vaginal Rings - A vaginal ring is a small flexible ring that gets inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring releases hormones, like progestin, into the bloodstream. It works to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. The ring has also been know to increase the thickness of cervical mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing the egg. The ring is worn for three weeks and should be taken out during the fourth week in the month. A new ring can be inserted after seven days. The ring works to prevent pregnancy but is not effective at preventing the spread of STI's. A prescription is needed for this form of birth control and can cost anywhere from $0-$80 dollars. The ring is not recommended for women with a history of blood clots or heart attacks and certain kinds of cancers. (Click Here for more information!) [1][2][3][6]
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) - Emergency contraceptive pills are a form of birth control that is taken after you have engaged in unprotected sex. There are a couple different from of ECPs.
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References:
1. "Birth Control Methods - Birth Control Options." Birth Control Methods - Birth Control Options. January 1, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control.
2. "Contraception." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 8, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/Contraception.htm#.
3. "Office of Population Affairs (OPA)." Reproductive Health. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/.
4. "Spermicides & Lubricants." Brown University Health Promotion. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/safer_sex_and_contraceptives/spermicides_&_lubricants.php.
5. "Tubal Ligation." BabyCenter. January 1, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.babycenter.com/0_female-sterilization_1282183.bc.
6. "What Are the Different Types of Contraception?" What Are the Different Types of Contraception? April 3, 2013. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/conditioninfo/Pages/types.aspx.
7. "What Is the Male Pill?" What Is the Male Pill? May 11, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/male-pill.aspx.
1. "Birth Control Methods - Birth Control Options." Birth Control Methods - Birth Control Options. January 1, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth-control.
2. "Contraception." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 8, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/Contraception.htm#.
3. "Office of Population Affairs (OPA)." Reproductive Health. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/.
4. "Spermicides & Lubricants." Brown University Health Promotion. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/safer_sex_and_contraceptives/spermicides_&_lubricants.php.
5. "Tubal Ligation." BabyCenter. January 1, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.babycenter.com/0_female-sterilization_1282183.bc.
6. "What Are the Different Types of Contraception?" What Are the Different Types of Contraception? April 3, 2013. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/conditioninfo/Pages/types.aspx.
7. "What Is the Male Pill?" What Is the Male Pill? May 11, 2014. Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/male-pill.aspx.