Hormonal Method

Injection

Depo Provera or “The Shot”

WHAT IS IT?

A hormone shot given in the arm or buttock every 12 weeks. Similar to the pill, the shot uses hormone to prevent pregnancy.

RISK OF PREGNANCY

Fewer than 3 percent of women will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES

• No pill to take each day.
• Does not interrupt sexual activity.
• One shot protects against pregnancy for 12 weeks.
• Periods may become lighter or stop entirely.
• May decrease risk of cancer of the uterus and ovaries.
• Very effective birth control for most women of all ages.

DISADVANTAGES

• No protection against STDs.
• Must return regularly to the doctor to get a shot.
• May cause changes in your period.
• Other possible side effects may include tender breasts,
• Headaches, and/or mood changes.
• May cause delay in getting pregnant after you stop getting the shots.
• May change appetite, resulting in weight loss or gain.
• May cause temporary loss of bone density.

Patch

WHAT IS IT?

A woman places a patch on the skin that releases hormones into the body. She changes the patch each week.

RISK OF PREGNANCY

• 8 percent or more of women will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES

• Does not interrupt sexual activity.
• Can be worn during exercising and bathing.
• No shots or pill to remember to take.

DISADVANTAGES

• No protection against STDs.
• May have skin reactions or allergies at the site of the patch.
• Must remember to replace the patch each week.
• May have higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in smokers over 35 years old.

Vaginal ring

WHAT IS IT?

A woman inserts a small flexible ring into her vagina that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. She changes it each month.

RISK OF PREGNANCY

• 8 percent or more of women will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES

• Does not interrupt sexual activity.
• No shots or pill to remember to take.

DISADVANTAGES

• No protection against STDs.
• Must feel comfortable inserting and removing the ring from the vagina.
• Must remember to place and remove the ring each month.
• May have higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in smokers over 35 years old.

The Pill

WHAT IS IT?

Every day, a woman takes a pill that contains one or two hormones, usually estrogen and progestin.

RISK OF PREGNANCY

• 8 percent of women will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES

• Does not interrupt sexual activity.
• Periods become more regular, lighter, and less painful.
• Decreased acne and anemia.
• May decrease risk of cancer of the uterus and ovaries.

DISADVANTAGES

• No protection against STDs.
• Must remember to take a pill every day.
• Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in smokers over 35 years old.