Prescription

Oral Contraceptives “the pill” –
- 2 types of pills: combined (estrogen/progestin) and mini (progestin only)
- Must be taken daily and at the same time everyday
- Must see a health care provider to receive
- Decreased side effects with periods
- Decreased chances of some cancers
- Some pills are appropriate during breastfeeding
- Not all pills are appropriate for women 35 and older who smoke
- May have weight changes, moodiness, spotting, increased blood pressure, more serious problems for smokers, breast tenderness, nausea/vomiting
- No protection from STIs
- 92%-99% effective if taken appropriately
Ortho Evra “the patch” –
- Small nonvisible patch worn on 4 possible locations of the body
- New patch put on weekly for 3 weeks then 1 week patch free for menstruation
- Must see a health care provider to receive
- Decreased side effects with periods
- Not appropriate if breastfeeding
- Not appropriate for women 35+ who smoke
- May have weight changes, moodiness, spotting, increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, nausea/vomiting
- No protection from STIs
- 92%-99% effective if used appropriately
NuvaRing (vaginal ring) –
- Plastic ring inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks then 1 week ring free for menstruation
- Must see a health care provider to receive
- Decreased side effects with periods
- Not appropriate if breastfeeding
- Not appropriate for women 35+ who smoke
- May have weight changes, moodiness, spotting, increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, nausea/vomiting
- No protection from STIs
- 92%-99% effective if used appropriately
Depo Provera Injection “the shot” –
- Intramuscular injection given every 3 months (4 times per year)
- Must see a health care provider to receive
- Long term use (over 2 years) may reduce bone density
- May have irregular, heavy or light periods, spotting, or no bleeding at all, weight gain, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness
- Return of fertility can be prolonged after use
- Safe to use if breastfeeding
- No protection from STIs
- 99% effective if used appropriately
Diaphragm –
- Small rubber cup inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse
- Must see a health care provider to be fitted
- Should be used with spermicide to increase effectiveness
- Increased risk of bladder infections
- Can be difficult to put in and remove
- Must be left in place 6-8 hours after sex
- Can’t be used during menstruation
- Safe to use if breastfeeding
- No protection from STIs
- 84%-94% effective if used appropriately
Implanon “the rod” (Long Acting Reversible Contraception – LARC) –
- Small plastic rod the size of a matchstick inserted under the skin in the upper part of the arm
- Effective for 3 years
- Must see a health care provider for insertion/removal during a minor in-office procedure
- Safe to use if breastfeeding
- May have local discomfort after insertion/removal
- May have irregular, heavy or light periods, spotting, or no periods at all
- No protection from STIs
- 99% effective
Intrauterine Device (IUD) “Paragard or Mirena” (Long Acting Reversible
Contraception – LARC) –
- Flexible “T” shaped device inserted into the uterus
- Must see a health care provider for insertion/removal during a minor in-office procedure
- The Mirena has the progestin hormone in it and is effective for 5 years. The paragard is nonhormonal and is copper-based, which is effective for 10 years
- Safe to use if breastfeeding
- May experience irregular, heavy or light periods, spotting or no bleeding at all with the Mirena. May experience heavy and/or longer periods or spotting between periods with the Paragard
- No protection from STIs
- Not for women who have not ever given childbirth
- 99% effective