Understanding the 6 Types of Hormonal Contraception

You’re looking for a reliable birth control method. Hormonal birth control that prevents ovulation is extremely effective. Let’s take a look at several different types. 

Our expert family nurse practitioners with Her Down There listen to your unique needs regarding birth control. We review your medical history and let you know which birth control methods would work for you. We’re careful to explain possible side effects and benefits. We want you to have all of the necessary information to make a decision that’s right for you.

Following are 6 effective methods of hormonal birth control. 

Daily birth control

If you’re used to taking pills every day, birth control pills might be the birth control method you prefer.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin. They prevent ovulation. If you take them every day, they’re over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If you forget to take them, you can get pregnant. 

The pills can also help regulate irregular periods. If you have severe menstrual cramps, birth control pills ease your discomfort. And, bonus: They reduce acne breakouts. 

Intermediate-term birth control

If remembering to take a daily pill isn’t a good idea for you, you might prefer one of these options that don’t require you to take an oral medication every day.

Skin patches

If you think you’ll forget to take a pill every day but don’t want an IUD, a birth control patch might be a good option for you. The patch contains the same hormones as the birth control pills, and it’s just as effective. 

The patch doesn’t have to be visible all the time; you can wear it on your upper arm if you want to, or you can wear it on your buttock, upper back, or abdomen. You wear a new patch each week for three weeks. At the end of each of those weeks, you remove the old patch and apply the new one. You don’t wear a patch during the fourth week; you have your period then. 

Your provider lets you know whether you’re a candidate for a skin patch. Your BMI should be under 30, and you should not be at risk for blood clots. 

Birth control  injection

If you think you might forget a daily pill or a weekly patch, an injectable contraceptive called Depo-Provera might be a great option for you. It contains a form of progesterone. You’ll need an injection once every three months in your buttock, upper arm, or under your skin.

This injectable birth control method prevents ovulation. It’s 96% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it on time every three months. You might have some bleeding or spotting. On the plus side, about half of those who take Depo Provera stop menstruating while taking the injections.  

Vaginal ring

A vaginal ring contains estrogen and progestin like birth control pills and the patch. We show you how to insert the vaginal ring. You leave the ring in your body for three weeks during the month and take it out for the fourth week, when you’ll have your period. 

Some types of vaginal rings are reusable for up to about a year. Other rings are one-use only. Each type of ring comes with specific instructions for use. We review the instructions with you. You can wash some rings with mild soap and water; other rings should only be rinsed with water. If you take the ring out for a few hours, you’ll need to use backup birth control for seven days. 

Long-term birth control

Long-term birth control provides ease of mind if you don’t plan to have children or get pregnant for a few years. 

IUDs

An IUD, or intrauterine device, uses a form of the hormone progestin. If you know you don’t want to get pregnant for several years, one of these devices may be a good option. Your expert provider discusses whether you want an IUD that protects against pregnancy for up to three years, five years, or eight years. With some IUDs, your periods diminish significantly, while on others you still have a period each month. 

Birth control implant

Another form of long-term birth control is an implant that looks like a small rod and contains progestin. We insert the implant under the skin on your upper arm. Don’t worry; it’s not visible. The implant slowly releases progestin, so you don’t need to worry about getting pregnant for up to three years.

For each type of hormonal birth control, we explain that depending on the time of month you begin it, you’ll need to use a reliable backup form of birth control for the first week or two. We also review the pros and cons of each birth control method. We ensure that the method of birth control you choose is effective for you. 

Call Her Down There or book an appointment online today for help in deciding which method of birth control is right for you. We have two offices in Texas: in Houston and Arlington; we do telemedicine through the latter.