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What is Hormonal Contraception?

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: December 10, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Photo (c) ADAM Health Care Center licensed to About.com, Inc.

Question: What is Hormonal Contraception?

There are many types of effective contraception methods. Hormonal birth control, the category under which “The Pill” falls, is one of the options available for a woman to use. So what exactly is hormonal contraception?

Answer: Hormonal contraceptives tend to be enormously popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness. These types of contraceptives must be prescribed by a doctor (as they do require some degree of medical supervision), so you will have to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your medical history and have your blood pressure checked. Many women prefer hormonal methods because they are reversible; therefore, a woman can regain her fertility and become pregnant after stopping them.

These methods include:

Next FAQ: How Does A Little Pill Prevent Pregnancy?

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