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Prescription and Permanent Birth Control Methods

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com Guide to Contraception

Learn about contraception available only from your doctor. Prescription birth control can take the form of hormonal contraception – like birth control pills, the Patch, NuvaRing, Depo-Provera Shot, Implanon, and Mirena IUD. It also includes barrier methods such as diaphragms, caps, and shields. Permanent birth control like a tubal ligation and vasectomy can be performed by your doctor. If necessary, an abortion can be obtained from your healthcare professional as well. Find out about these methods: pros and cons, effectiveness, STD protection, health risks, where to obtain, non-contraceptive advantages, and costs.

  1. Birth Control Pills
  2. Brands of Birth Control Pills
  3. Extended Cycle Pills
  4. NuvaRing
  5. Ortho Evra Patch
  6. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
  7. Emergency Contraception
  8. Diaphragms and Cervical Caps
  1. Depo Provera Shot
  2. Implanon
  3. Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy
  4. Contraceptive Injections
  5. Abortion
  6. Progestin in Birth Control
  7. Hormonal Contraception

Birth Control Pills

The pill is the common name for oral contraception. It's one of the safest, most effective, and popular methods of birth control. The pill is made up of synthetic forms of hormones that naturally occur in a female's body -- progestin and estrogen. There are two kinds of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills.

Brands of Birth Control Pills

There are many brands of birth control pills. Combination pills are labeled as monophasic, biphasic or triphasic depending on if the hormone levels stay the same during the first 3 weeks of a women's cycle or if it changes. They typically come in a 1 month supply and are available in 28-day or 21-day packs (both have 21 active, hormone pills, but the 28-day packs have 7 reminder pills). There are also combo pills that have 24 active days and only four placebo pills. Finally, you can find extended cycle pills that are FDA approved to allow women to have fewer periods a year.

Extended Cycle Pills

Extended cycle pills allow you to skip your period or reduce the number of times you get a period. Some wonder if extended cycle pills are safe. There is no medical proof that women need periods, and there are no health problems if periods are skipped. Studies show that using hormonal contraception to stop monthly periods is a safe way to prevent pregnancy. Extended pills are a viable and attractive option for many. They can improve the quality of life if you suffer from menstrual-related disorders, and the availability of more pills that postpone monthly cycles is a great convenience for women with busy lifestyles.

NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is a small, flexible circle about 2 inches in diameter. It is inserted it into the vagina once a month and left it in place for 3 weeks. It is then removed for the remaining week. The ring secretes synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.

Ortho Evra Patch

The Ortho Evra Patch is a thin, beige, plastic patch and is applied by sticking it to the skin of the stomach, buttocks, upper outer arm, shoulder, or upper torso once a week for 3 weeks in a row. It works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for the 3 weeks, and it is not applied in the fourth week. The patch releases synthetic estrogen and progestin, which provides weekly protection against pregnancy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

The IUD is a small, T-shaped flexible plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. The Mirena IUD continuously releases a small amount of progestin and is effective for 5 years. The ParaGard (also known as Copper T 380A) is the only non-medicated IUD available in the United States and can be left in place for up to 10 years. This IUD has copper (which acts as a spermicide) coiled around it. One of the greatest hurdles facing IUD use is that many people have been lead to believe inaccurate information about it.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is an option that reduces the risk of pregnancy, if taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency contraceptives have been available for more than 30 years and are a safe and effective method of contraception. EC is available in three forms: Plan B One-Step (progestin-only branded product), oral contraceptives (either progestin-only birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives), and the ParaGard IUD. The sooner it is obtained, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy.

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

The diaphragm is latex or silicone, dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim. It is inserted securely in the vagina and becomes a barrier which covers the cervix. It is put in place before intercourse and needs to be left for 6 to 8 hours after ejaculation. The diaphragm blocks the opening to the uterus while the spermicide hinders the sperm's movement. A cervical cap is also a barrier birth control device, fitted by your doctor and is used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. It is similar to the diaphragm (only smaller). The Femcap and Lea's Shield are two types of cervical caps

Depo Provera Shot

The depo shot, also known as DMPA, is an injectable form of progestin (one of the same synthetic hormones found in the pill). A woman must receive the shot every 3 months as this method will only provide optimal pregnancy protection for that amount of time. Two versions are available -- the Depo Provera shot and the Depo-subQ Provera injection.

Implanon

Implanon is a newer type of implant that is not yet broadly accessible. It consists of a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick, and it is also inserted under the skin in the arm. It is a progestin-only method and provides about 3 years of protection.

Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy

Tubal ligation is a surgical or nonsurgical option that permanently sterilizes a woman. It seals off or blocks the fallopian tubes thus preventing an egg from traveling to the uterus. It also stops sperm from entering the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs. It takes place in a hospital or outpatient clinic while the woman is under some form of anesthesia. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the upper part of the man’s scrotum. The two tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm into the semen are cut and tied off. Afterwards, a man will still produce semen, but it will be sperm-free.

Contraceptive Injections

Birth control shots deliver synthetic hormones via an injection and are reversible birth control methods. Pregnancy protection ranges 30 days to14 weeks depending on the shot. Depo Provera and the Depo-subQ 104 Injection are progestin-only shots. Noristerat is another progestin injection but isn't available in the United States. Combined contraceptive injections contain both estrogen and progestin.

Abortion

Abortion means ending a pregnancy. Given that unintended pregnancy is an issue that affects thousands of people each year, abortion is one of the most common medical procedures performed in the United States. There are several types of abortion procedures, depending upon the stage of pregnancy. Learn about abortion facts, reasons for abortion, and the various abortion methods available.

Progestin in Birth Control

Progestin is a common hormone found in birth control pills and hormonal contraception. What is it? Learn about the differences between progestins as well as the various progestin types. Information about the estrogenic effects, androgenic effects, and progestational selectivity for each type of progestin is discussed

Hormonal Contraception

Discussion and definition of hormonal birth control as well as the issues surrounding it. Learn about estrogen and progestin and how these hormones prevent ovulation. Discover how hormonal birth control methods, like the Pill, Depo Provera Shot, Patch, Ring, and Implants work to protect against pregnancy. Details about common side effects and medical risk factors are also included.

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