Pill
"The pill" is a daily medication that contains either one or two hormones (either progestin only or estrogen and progestin). The pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if used perfectly, and about 92% effective with typical use. The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The pill costs about $20-35 a month from a pharmacy, but may cost less at a family planning center. The pill also may be used to help control irregular periods or eliminate periods altogether (during use - if taken continuously). If a woman on the pill wished to become pregnant at any time, all she would do is stop taking the pill.
Patch
"The patch," or the Ortho Evra patch, is a small piece of plastic that is applied to the skin for one week, and must be changed on the same day every week. The patch releases synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent pregnancy. The patch is typically used for three weeks straight, with a one-week break for a period. However, the patch can be used continuously to eliminate periods. The patch is one of the most effective forms of birth control, slightly more effective than the pill. The patch does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Ring
"The ring," or NuvaRing, is a combination hormone (estrogen and progestin) method of birth control. Each ring is inserted for only three weeks, with a one week break between taking out one ring and putting a new one in. The ring can be used continuously (replacing the ring every 3 weeks with no break) in order to eliminate periods. The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. NuvaRing's effectiveness is estimated to be greater than that of the pill (over 99% effective if used perfectly).
Shot
"The shot," is a progestin-only hormonal method of birth control. The most common brand of progestin shot is Depo-Provera. The shot is injected into a patient every 12 weeks. The shot is about 97-99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The shot can cost anywhere from 30 to 40 dollars the first time, and 20-30 dollars for follow-up visits and shots.
IUD
IUD stands for Intrauterine device. The most common IUD is Implanon. Implanon is inserted into the arm once, and lasts for up to three years. Use of implanon results in the loss of a period. Implanon may be reinserted after the three years are up, and also may be removed before the three years. Once implanon is removed, the ability to become pregnant returns quickly. Implanon is estimated to be up to 99.9% effective for three years. Implanon does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. EC pills can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but are most effective when taken as soon as possible. EC pills can cost anywhere from $8 to $35. A pregnancy test may be recommended before use of EC, to determine whether a person is already pregnant from a previous sexual encounter. EC does not work if a woman is already pregnant. EC can be anywhere from 75 to 89 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. EC does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
