Hormonal contraception is available in different forms, including a pill, mini-pill, patch, vaginal ring, injection, and implantable rod.
The birth control pill, patch, and ring contain two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The birth control pill is taken daily and depending on the pill used, your period may come monthly, once every three months, or can be skipped completely. There are many different brands of birth control pills including generics.
The Ortho Evra patch delivers the same hormones as the birth control pill but does so through your skin. The patch is changed weekly.
The Nuva Ring delivers the same hormones as the birth control pill but through the vaginal wall. It is left in place for three weeks. It is taken out the fourth week, during which you get your period.
Progesterone-only forms of birth control include the Depo-Provera injection, the Implanon rod and the mini-pill.
- DepoProvera is an injection that is given every 3 months.
- Implanon is a single rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It provides birth control for 3 years. There is now a next generation device called Nexplanon which we also offer.
- The Mini-pill is similar to the birth control pill except that it does not contain estrogen. It can be given to breastfeeding mothers and women who have certain medical conditions in which they should not take estrogen.
All forms of birth control have different risks and benefits. It is important to choose a birth control based on your medical history. Please contact your provider to discuss if any of these hormonal options are right for you.