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    Birth Control Types: How to Choose

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    woman holding up contraceptive birth control pills

    Hormonal contraceptives use the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent you from ovulating (releasing an egg). Hormonal contraceptives thicken the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from swimming up the cervix. They are available as pills, patches, injections, and implants.

    While generally safe, “the estrogen in some hormonal contraceptives may increase the likelihood of blood clots, high blood pressure, and stroke in people with risk factors like smoking and being over age 35,” says Dr. Cheng.

    Birth Control Pill

    Birth control pills fall into two main categories: combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin and progestin-only pills. You take them both daily.

    Combination pills, also known as the pill, are the most common type of birth control pill.

    Your healthcare provider can help you determine which type of birth control pill is right for you.

    Pros The pill can help regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce cramps, and may even clear up acne. It’s about 93 percent effective when used correctly.

    Cons It offers no STI protection, and you have to commit to taking it around the same time every day.

    Birth Control Patches

    Like the pill, patches contain hormones that keep you from ovulating, except you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.

    You wear patches on your arm, belly, or buttocks, where they release hormones through your skin. Throughout one menstrual cycle, you apply a new patch every week for three weeks, then have a period during the fourth week.

    Pros They’re 93 percent effective, you don’t need to remember to take a pill, and they can help regulate your cycle.

    Cons They don’t prevent STIs, and you have to remember to fill your prescription every month.

    Birth Control Rings

    Birth control rings are small, flexible rings that sit inside your vagina and continually release hormones. You take them out the week of your period.

    Pros They’re 93 percent effective and can be more convenient than the pill, with the same effect on your cycle.

    Cons They don’t protect against STIs and products containing silicone or oil can damage them.

    Birth Control Shots

    The Depo-Provera shot, often called “Depo” for short, is an injection of progestin given once every three months. It is a private birth control method, so others won’t know you’re using birth control.

    Pros It’s 96 percent effective, private, and may be more convenient than a pill or device. It’s progestin-only, which may make it safer for some people.

    Cons It requires a healthcare visit four times a year to get the shot and doesn’t protect against STIs.

    Birth Control Implants

    An implant is a thin rod that’s inserted under the skin of your upper arm and releases progestin for up to five years, protecting you from pregnancy. It isn’t permanent, and your doctor can take it out if you decide you’d like to remove it.

    Implants are another form of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) that can be convenient and effective for many users.

    Pros They’re 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and last for up to 5 years. Because they’re progestin-only, they may be safer for some people.

    Con They don’t prevent STIs, and you may not want a device implanted into your body.

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