Many methods of birth control that are available today are based on hormones such as those of our bodies of course. Some contain both estrogen and progestin (a synthetic version of progesterone) while others are only progestin.
Hormonal methods come in many different forms – from pills to patches to patches – but they all actually work in the same way. The most important thing they do is to prevent ovulation. If there is no egg, there can be no pregnancy. These methods also thicken the mucus of the cervix to keep the sperm out and slow the sperm as they move towards the fallopian tubes.
Hormonal methods are very effective (about 99%) when used perfectly. In real life – when people may forget to take a pill or change their patch – some of these methods are closer to 93% or 91% effective. See the birth control methods diagram for specific efficiency rates.
You can do any of these methods work best by using them right all the time.
Benefits and disadvantages of hormonal methods
One of the important things to remember is that no hormonal method protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIS).
Like any medicine, hormonal methods may have some side effects, but they vary widely from person to person. The only way to find out if you will try them is to try a method.
Some people experience symptoms similar to those that occur before your period, such as breast sensitivity, weight gain, headaches or nausea. These symptoms often disappear after a few months. For some people who go to a different hormonal method – or even a different brand of pill – they can help to facilitate these side effects.
There is some research that suggests that hormonal methods increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes in some people. There has also been research that examines the relationship between hormonal contraception and breast cancer, but the results were unclear.
Hormonal methods also have some benefits. People who usually use them have a very normal cycle. With some hormonal methods, you may not have your period at all. People in hormonal methods often have fewer cramps during their periods and sometimes have less PMS symptoms. Some hormonal methods have been found to clarify acne.
Research has also found that long -term use of hormonal methods can reduce a person’s risk for both ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
Who should use hormonal methods
Hormonal methods are an excellent choice for most people who do not want to become pregnant or who want to regulate their periods.
To reduce the risk of serious side effects, these methods are not recommended for smoking people, people who have blood clots in the past, and people who have a historical or family history of certain cancers. Whether you see a provider in person or receive a recipe online, be honest for your health history so you can find the best and safest method for you.
You should also be aware that some medicines, such as antibiotics, can make some hormonal methods less effective. Make sure you have informed the healthcare provider about all the medicines you take before deciding on a hormonal method. Once you get a hormonal method, be sure to tell all other healthcare providers you see.
How to get hormonal methods
The only hormonal method of birth control available above the bench is Opill, which is a pill only with ancestral. You can buy Opill in pharmacies or order it online. It costs $ 19.99 for a month or $ 49.99 for three.
All other pills, patches and rings require a recipe. There are some online services that allow you to connect to a healthcare provider to receive a prescription and then send birth control to your home.
To take birth control, whether you need to see a health care provider every three months or get a recipe and give yourself the shots.
Some IUDs and Nexplanon contains hormones, but these methods are in their own category called reversible contraception (LARC). Once they are implemented by a health care provider, they have been working for years without having to do anything. See the LARC page for more information.
Cost of hormonal methods
If you have insurance, most hormonal birth control methods are free. There are some exceptions. Some insurers will only cover some brands of the pill, for example. Your pharmacist should be able to help you understand which will be covered by your plan.
If you do not have insurance, you can try some of the electronic services that offer a one -year recipe for a flat price or check the clinics in your area, such as Planned Parenthood that offers services on a sliding scale.
More details on specific methods
The differences between hormonal methods are mainly reduced to how you take them and how you use them. Remember, how well these methods work for how much effort you put.
