Hormonal birth control refers tobirth control methodsthat contain synthetic forms of hormones.
These contraceptives mimic the naturally-occurringhormonesproduced in a woman’s body.
With the exception of certain progestin-only oral contraceptives, hormonal birth control must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
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The first three are combination methods and the rest of the list are progestin-only hormonal birth control options.
There are also extended cycle combination pills.
NuvaRing
TheNuvaRingis a combination contraceptive that must be inserted into the vagina.
Once inserted, it gradually releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, etonogestrel.
You insert NuvaRing and leave it in place for three weeks.
On Week 4, youtake it outthis is when you should have yourwithdrawal period.
The Patch
Thebirth control patchis applied to the skin.
It releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, norelgestromin directly through the skin.
you’re gonna wanna replace the patch every week (for three weeks).
During Week 4, youkeep the patch off.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin-only birth control insert that contains 68 mg of the progestin, etonogestrel.
This single rod is inserted into your upper arm where the progestin is slowly released.
Depo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 Injection
Depo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 are hormonalcontraceptive injections.
Both depo shots are similareach injection slowly releases the progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate.
If you use Depo Provera, you basically need to have four injections each year.
Like all hormonal birth control methods, Depo Provera does have someside effects.
Many women stop using Depo Provera because of the side effects (like irregular or continuous bleeding).
There is no way to know before starting Depo Provera if you will have any of these side effects.
The good news about Depo Proverait has been FDA-approved to help treat endometriosis.
Mirena IUD
Mirena is a pop in ofIUD.
Mirena releases the progestin, levonorgestrel (20 mcg a day).
Mirena isinsertedinto your uterus by a healthcare provider.
Once inserted, it can be left in place for up to seven years.
Because it has progestin, Mirena is a little more effective than theParaGard IUD.
Besides being used as contraception, Mirena has been FDA-approved to help treat heavy periods.
you’re able to also have your Mirena IUDremovedat any time before the 8-year timeframe is over.
The Mini-Pill
The mini-pill is a progestin-only throw in of birth control pill.
They are known to cause fewer side effects than combination pills.
Because they do not contain estrogen, the mini-pill is a good birth control option for new breastfeeding moms.
The mini-pill is most effective when taken at the same time every day.
Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription.
Skyla IUD
Skyla is also known as the mini IUD.
Once inserted, Skyla releases the progestin levonorgestrel (14 mcg a day)Skyla lasts for three years.
The Skyla IUD (and the tube used to insert it) is smaller than Mirena and ParaGard.
This makes Skyla a little bit easier and less painful to insert.
Like any IUD, you’re able to also have Skyla removed at any time.
A Word From Verywell
These birth control methods may not be the safest contraception for all women.
That’s why it’s important totalk to your healthcare providerand review your medical history carefully.
Be honest during this conversation.
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