Birth Control.
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Hormonal birth control (or contraception) is a way for you to temporarily alter your reproductive cycle. The synthetic hormones in birth control are similar to actual hormones in your body, and keep it from going through the time-to-conceive process every month. All in all, they make becoming unexpectedly pregnant a lot less likely. Certain types of hormonal birth control also have the added benefit of reducing some of the uncomfortable symptoms you may get around your period, and can make your period lighter and more regular.

Hormonal birth control isn’t permanent. You can keep taking it indefinitely, switch methods or stop using it if you wish to have a child. Some types of hormonal birth control are better for specific health issues or age ranges, so it’s good to check in with a doctor every now and then to make sure your birth control is still right for you.

Hormonal contraception is only available by prescription in the US. A doctor will help you narrow down the best option because there are quite a few out there, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.

There’s the combined pill, which usually comes in a pack of 28 pills, though some brands may vary slightly. You’ll take a tablet a day for the duration of the pack. The first three weeks are active pills, which contain hormones, and the last week of pills is hormone free — that’s when you’ll get your period. This is the most widely used type of hormonal birth control. It’s called the combined pill because it contains two hormones: progestin and estrogen.

The patch is a combined treatment too, but instead of taking it orally you stick it on your skin like a sticker. Don’t worry – it’s designed to be worn through showers and even laps at the pool without coming off. For three weeks a month, you’ll wear the patch for a week and then change it. Then you take a weeklong patch-free break, after which you put on a new patch and the cycle is repeated again.

The vaginal ring is also a combined method of birth control. It’s a soft, flexible piece of plastic that is inserted into the vagina for three weeks. Then you remove it, take a weeklong ring-free break and insert your next ring.

Progestin-only pills, also called mini pills, are taken once a day. They’re different from combined options because they only carry one hormone, progestin. Progestin-only pills are recommended for women who may experience side effects when taking estrogen.

Several birth control options need to be injected, inserted or administered by a doctor. These include the birth control shot, which is a progestin-only injection given in the arm. Depo-Provera is a popular brand of the contraceptive shot. There’s also a contraceptive implant (Nexplanon is one) that’s placed into the arm.

The IUD, which stands for intrauterine device, is inserted into the vagina by a doctor or gynecologist and left in place for multiple years. There’s a hormone-free copper version (usually just called the copper IUD) and hormonal versions which are made of plastic, like the Mirena.

And we all know the condom and the diaphragm. These are called “barrier methods,” because they physically stop sperm from reaching an egg to fertilize it.

Hormonal birth control reduces the chances of pregnancy by changing the normal hormonal cycle in the body. It prevents ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg into the uterus. The hormones in birth control also keep the walls of the uterus from growing thicker with your cycle. When the uterine wall is thin, it’s more difficult for an egg to attach to it and grow.

The progestin in hormonal birth control also changes the thickness of cervical fluid. This time, the hormones make it more thick. Sperm have a harder time making it through to an egg as a result.

There are different concentrations of hormones in birth control pills, rings and patches. Higher doses can help control symptoms like acne, while lower doses come with fewer possible side effects.

There’s no difference between higher and lower doses in terms of contraceptive effectiveness. They’re equally good at preventing pregnancy. Whether you should take a higher or lower dose has more to do with what added benefits you’d like in your birth control and if you’re sensitive to hormones.

Some pills have ‘Lo’ versions, which are a great alternative for women who tried the regular version and experienced side effects. Loestrin and Lo Loestrin are an example. In some cases, though, low-dose pills have completely different names than the regular versions. This happens even with pills made by the same manufacturer.

If you’re not sure which type of birth control is the best option for you, the doctor will be able to help you choose.

Some pills^[2] can be effective at reducing acne in addition to preventing pregnancy. The specific pills that excel at this usually have a high concentration of hormones, meaning they increase the risk of side effects and aren’t right for everyone. The doctor you consult with can help you decide whether a pill that can help with acne is a good choice for you.

Yes. Women who take the progestin-only pill often find that their periods stop or become much lighter. Sometimes this happens with the combined pill, too. Aviane, Levora and Lutera are less likely to cause heavy periods than other pills. The ring and the patch can also help reduce heavy periods.

If you’re looking to lighten your periods with hormonal birth control, let the doctor know during your consultation.

Side effects can vary depending on the type of birth control you’re using. Irregular bleeding is quite common when you first start using a new birth control, but it normally stabilizes after a couple of months.

Other common side effects are tiredness, mood swings, vaginal dryness or changes in sex drive. If you encounter these side effects and they are impacting your quality of life and not going away on their own, send a message to the doctor so they can help you find a different birth control.

On rare occasions, hormonal birth control can cause serious side effects. You should seek urgent medical attention if you get any breast lumps, persistent heavy bleeding, symptoms of an allergic reaction, symptoms of a blood clot such as a tight chest or tenderness in the back of the leg, jaundice or anything else that concerns you. Read the package insert that comes with your birth control for more information on side effects and when to get help.

Emergency contraception and the birth control pill both contain hormones, but the two are not interchangeable.

The pill, patch and ring, as well as condoms, are primary contraceptives — they’re your Plan A. If your birth control ever fails for any reason, one option is emergency contraception, which is also known as the morning-after pill. Plan B One-Step is a brand of emergency contraception but its name is often used to refer to emergency contraception in general, like how we say Kleenex to mean any sort of tissue.

If a condom falls off during sex or you forget to take a pill and then have unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help you stay protected. It’s available over the counter, without a prescription. And even though it’s called a morning-after pill, you don’t need to wait until the morning to take it. In fact, it should be taken as soon as possible after sex to prevent pregnancy, though up to 72 hours can be OK.

You shouldn’t use emergency contraception if you think you’re already pregnant. In that case, call your doctor, gynecologist or sexual health clinic to discuss your options.

Yes. Condoms, diaphragms and female condoms don’t contain any hormones. They’re called “barrier methods” because they physically block sperm. There’s also a type of IUD called a copper IUD which doesn’t contain any hormones.

Currently, there aren’t any hormone-free pills you can take to prevent pregnancy.

Not yet. Male hormonal contraception is still in the clinical research phase. While recent trials of a contraceptive gel are promising, there isn’t yet anything on the market. Men who want to take their reproductive health into their own hands should use condoms or consider a vasectomy, which in some cases can even be reversible.