This document provides information about various hormonal and barrier contraception options. It discusses hormonal options including birth control pills, the patch, ring, shot, implant, and IUDs. It explains that these methods work by using hormones to prevent ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm. Barrier methods like male and female condoms are also covered. The document recommends using a reliable hormonal method along with condoms to provide full pregnancy and STD protection. Emergency contraception pills are also discussed as a post-sex option.

1. Reproductive Choices
Central Piedmont Community College
HEA 110
Leigh Yount, MSPH

2. Hormonal Contraception
▶ Many types of hormonal contraception:
▶ Birth Control Pills
▶ Patch
▶ Vaginal Ring
▶ Shots (Depo-Provera)
▶ Implants (Nexplanon)
▶ IUD
▶ Skyla
▶ Mirena/Liletta
▶ ParaGard

3. Birth Control Pills
THE PILL
"The Pill" is a pill. (How's that for stating the obvious?) Some people call it "oral contraception." You take
it once a day, at the same time every day. There are lots of different kinds of pills on the market, and new
ones come out all the time. Most work by releasing hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.
The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the
first place.
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4. Birth Control Patch
THE PATCH
The patch is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square Band-Aid. It's a little less than two inches
across, and comes in one—and only one—color. (Beige.) You stick the patch on your skin and it gives off
hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus,
which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place. The brand name Ortho Evra isn't
being produced anymore so if you use the patch, ask for the generic, Xulane.
Bedsider.org

5. The Ring - NuvaRing
THE RING
The ring (brand name: NuvaRing) is a small, bendable ring that you insert into your vagina. (It kind of
looks like one of those jelly bracelets from the 80s, but it feels a tiny bit stiffer.) You leave it in place for
three weeks at a time, then take it out for the fourth week. The ring works by giving off hormones that
prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to
block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.
Bedsider.org

6. Birth Control Shot
THE SHOT
The shot is just what it sounds like—a shot that keeps you from getting pregnant. Once you get it, your
birth control is covered for three full months—there’s nothing else you have to do. Some people call the
shot “Depo,” short for Depo-Provera. (Pronounced like Johnny Depp-oh.) The shot contains progestin, a
hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens your cervical mucus, which helps
block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place. Some women say they don't want the shot because
they're afraid of needles. But what's a little prick compared to a pregnancy?
Bedsider.org

7. Birth Control Implant
IMPLANT
The implant (Nexplanon is the brand name; previously Implanon) is a teeny-tiny rod that's inserted under
the skin of your upper arm. It's so small, in fact, most people can't see it once it's inserted—which means it
can be your little secret, if you're so inclined. The implant releases progestin, a hormone that keeps your
ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus—which helps block sperm from getting to
the egg in the first place. It prevents pregnancy for up to four years. Not too shabby.
Bedsider.org

8. IUD
IUD
The IUD is a little, t-shaped piece of plastic that gets put in your uterus to mess with the way sperm can
move and prevent them from fertilizing an egg. Sounds odd, but it works like a charm. IUDs offer years of
protection—between three and twelve, depending on the type you get. And if you want to get pregnant, you
can have the IUD removed at any time. In the U.S. there are four IUDs:Mirena and ParaGard, which are
already widely available, and newer options Skylaand Liletta.
Bedsider.org

9. Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives
Implant
IUD

10. Emergency Contraception
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency Contraception (EC) can stop a pregnancy before it starts. (That means the EC pills are not the
same as the abortion pill.) There are four types of EC to choose from and they all work up to 5 days (or 120
hours) after unprotected sex. But use it sooner rather than later to reduce the possibility of getting
pregnant.
▶ Many are available over the counter without a prescription from your doctor.

11. Hormonal Contraception
▶ Only prevent PREGNANCY
▶ No STD protection
▶ Also used for many other reasons

12. Barrier Contraception
▶ Male condoms
▶ Female Condoms

13. Recommended for full protection
Reliable Hormonal Method
AND Condoms

15. For more
information on
Birth Control
Visit
www.bedsider.org