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Hormonal

Birth control pill ("The Pill")
Depo-Provera

Hormonal birth control works by using the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent the ovaries from releasing its eggs each month. Types of hormonal birth control vary in how they deliver the hormone.

Birth Control Pill (“The Pill”)

Birth control pills, or “the pill”, are tablets that prevent pregnancy. There are many different kinds of birth control pills, and it’s good to talk with a doctor about the type that’s suitable for you.

How do you use the pill?

  • A package of pills has either 21 or 28 pills in it.
  • You must take the pill every day at the same time.
  • Women who use the 28-day package take one pill every day.
  • Women who use the 21-day package take one pill for 21 days then stop for 7 days before beginning a new package.

What are the advantages?

  • The pill is a very effective birth control method. If taken correctly (every day at the same time) the birth control pill is one of the most effective birth control methods.
  • Periods: It makes your periods lighter with fewer days of bleeding, decrease menstrual pain and cramps, and helps make your periods more regular and predictable.
  • The pill can also help protect against: cysts in the breasts (little sacs filled with liquid), anemia (when your body doesn't have enough iron), certain types of cancer (ovarian and uterine).

What are the disadvantages?

  • You have to remember to take the pill every day.
  • It can cause some side effects, such as an upset stomach, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
  • You may have a small amount of bleeding from your vagina for the first month when you are not on your period.
  • You need a prescription from a doctor to buy the pill.
  • There is a very small chance it may cause a blood clot or other serious problems.
  • Smoking increases the chance of serious problems while taking the pill.
  • If you take antibiotics while on the pill, the pill may not work as well. (Use a back-up method of birth control.)
  • The pill does not protect against STIs. (Use condoms when taking the pill to reduce the risk of transmission of STIs and HIV.)

CAUTION!!
When using the pill, call a doctor or clinic right away if you develop any of these warning symptoms or serious side effects:

  • severe pain in the abdomen (below your waist)
  • severe pain in the leg (calf or thigh or both)
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • severe headache
  • sudden problem seeing clearly
  • sudden problem speaking clearly
  • numbness

What do birth control pills cost?

  • About $110 to $250 per year.
  • Some clinics sell birth control pills for less or give them to clients free of charge.

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Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera, or "the shot", is a hormone injected into a woman’s arm of buttock once every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.

How effective is it?
Depo-Provera is a very effective method of birth control. It has a failure rate of only .03%. Of 1000 women who use Depo-Provera, only 3 will become pregnant.

How do you use Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera has to be prescribed by a doctor. To use Depo-Provera the women must have an injection within five days of the start of her period. Each shot is effective for three months.

What are the advantages?

  • It provides continuous, highly effective protection against pregnancy for three months.
  • You don't need to remember to take a pill, insert a device or apply a product for birth control.
  • In many cases menstruation decreases or stops all together. Your periods will return to normal when you stop using Depo-Provera.
  • It may help reduce the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.

What are the disadvantages?

  • Irregular bleeding during the first year of use can be expected.
  • There are some side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes and weight gain.
  • Effects are not immediately reversible; after you stop taking Depo-Provera it may take 6-12 months to be able to get pregnant.
  • Does not protect against STIs and HIV.

What does a Depo-Provera injection cost?

  • Approximately $24-$34 per injection. It may be available free or cheaper at a youth clinic.

Barrier Methods & Spermicide
Natural Methods
Emergency Contraceptive / Plan B / Morning After-Pill
Contraceptives page

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