Contraception
Contraception is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or childbirth
The Pill
With perfect use — if you follow the directions and never miss any pills — the effectiveness rate of the pill tops 99 percent. However, among typical users of combined estrogen and progestin pills, the effectiveness rate is 92 percent, meaning that eight out of 100 women taking it for one year will get pregnant.
Side effects may include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, decreased sex drive (libido) and depression. Researchers have failed to show a link between taking the pill and weight gain. The most serious potential complication is a slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and blood clots. Talk to your doctor about how your health history and age may affect your risks with hormonal contraception.
Women with the following characteristics should not take combination estrogen and progestin pills:
- Age 35 or older and currently smoke
- A history of cardiovascular disease
- A history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
- A history of blood clots in the legs or lungs
The pill doesn't provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
How to use the pill
The pill is available in a range of hormonal concentrations. If you decide on the pill, your doctor will determine which formula best meets your needs. Take the pill according to the most recent package insert, which provides instructions on when to begin the pill, whether you need backup contraception at certain times and what to do if you miss a pill. Using the pill to decrease the number of menstrual periods you have in a year has been demonstrated to be safe and is a feature of some oral contraceptive regimens.
The Patch
The patch slowly releases the hormones estrogen and progestin through the skin and into the bloodstream.
Side effects and health risks
The most common side effects are skin irritation, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, decreased sex drive (libido) and depression. Women who use the patch may be at a slightly increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Users of the patch are exposed to higher levels of estrogen — about 60 percent greater — than are users of contemporary birth control pills. Increased exposure to estrogen may increase the risk of side effects, but that has not yet been demonstrated.
If any of these characteristics describes you, don't use the patch:
- Age 35 or older and currently smoke
- A history of cardiovascular disease
- A history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
- A history of blood clots in the legs or lungs
The patch doesn't protect against STDs.
How to use the patch
If you decide on the patch, apply a patch weekly for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is patch-free, which allows you to have your menstrual period. Apply the patch to your buttocks, lower abdomen or upper body, but not the breasts.
Here are a few additional tips for patch use:
- Don't apply oils, creams or cosmetics near the patch.
- You may participate in your regular activities, including swimming and bathing, while wearing the patch.
- If your patch becomes detached, replace it with a new patch immediately. Review your package insert for information on whether you need to use a backup method of birth control.
