HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Hormonal contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy by either preventing ovulation or thinning the uterine lining to affect implantation.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
There are two methods of oral contraceptives: daily birth control pills which prevent ovulation, or are single-dose emergency contraceptives (PlanB or ella®) which are taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
Oral contraceptives containing hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining.
MECHANISM
These are oral contraceptives containing synthetic hormones (estrogen and/or progestin). They work by suppressing the body's natural hormone fluctuations that regulate the menstrual cycle. This prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
PLAN B
Plan B is a high-dose progestin pill that is used as a form of emergency contraception. It can be taken within a few days after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
MECHANISM
If taken before ovulation, Plan B can delay the release of an egg from the ovary. This reduces the chances of fertilization occurring. Plan B can also alter the fallopian tube's environment, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg even if ovulation has already occurred.
ELLA®
ella®: Ulipristal acetate, or ella®, is a prescription-only, oral pill taken to prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is within a class of medications called progestins.
MECHANISM
ella® works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. If taken after ovulation has already occurred, it may also decrease endometrial thickness and affect implantation of a fertilized egg.
PHYSICIAN-ADMINISTERED CONTRACEPTIVES
The implant and birth control shot are hormonal contraceptive methods are administered by a physician. The implant (Nexaplanon) is administered under the skin in a woman’s arm every four years, and the injection (Depo-Provera) is administered every three months.
IMPLANT
The implant (Nexaplanon) is a small rod inserted under the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
MECHANISM
This is a small rod inserted under the skin of the arm. It releases progestin over time, which inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining.
BIRTH CONTROL SHOT
The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is an injection of hormones given every three months to prevent ovulation.
MECHANISM
The shot contains progestin and is administered every three months. It prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining, making it less suitable for implantation.
MONTHLY AND WEEKLY CONTRACEPTIVES
The patch and the birth control ring are hormonal contraceptive methods that release hormones over a period of time. The patch is changed weekly and the birth control ring (NuvaRing) is changed monthly.
THE PATCH
The birth control patch is a patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
MECHANISM
The patch is worn on the skin and releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. These hormones work similarly to birth control pills by inhibiting ovulation and altering cervical mucus consistency.
THE NUVARING
The birth control ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones.
MECHANISM
The flexible ring is inserted into the vagina and releases estrogen and progestin. These hormones have the same effects as in other methods, inhibiting ovulation and affecting cervical mucus.