-       Different versions will either contain one hormone (progestin) or two (estrogen and progestin) and prevents the body from ovulating every month.   

-       Safe for continued long term use for pregnancy prevention 
-       AVOID: do not use this method if you are not able to take a pill at the same time every day 

Contraceptive Patch --> once a WEEK

-       Contains both hormones progestin and estrogen and the patch should be placed on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or posterior upper arm. 

-       Replace the patch weekly for 3 weeks and on the 4^th week no patch is placed so you can have a menstrual period

-      AVOID: do not place the patch on or around the breasts 

Contraceptive Nuva Ring --> once a MONTH

-       Contains both hormones progestin and estrogen

-       You will insert the ring into your vagina which will stay in place for 3 weeks, until you remove it during the 4^th week when you have your period
-        AVOID: use cautiously if you have predisposed conditions that increase your risk for infections

Contraceptive Shot --> once every 3 MONTHS 

-       Contains the hormone progestin and is a shot given by your provider every three months to suppress ovulation 

-       AVOID: Do not use this contraceptive method for longer than 2 years 

-Common: Headache, skin irritation, stomach upset, nausea, changes in mood, sore breasts, changes in periods from light to absent, spotting in-between periods (Office on Women’s Health, n.d).

-Less common: Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack (Office on Women’s Health, n.d).

 

-Use a new condom each time you have sex.

-May tear, break or slip off.

-May experience skin irritation or allergic reaction

- The shot is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy.  The pill, ring, and patch are 93% effective in preventing pregnancy 

-External: Latex and non-latex condoms that are worn on the penis 

-Internal: AKA female condoms that are put inside the vagina or anus 

 

-Plan B is a pill that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is sold over the counter at most pharmacies

-A copper intrauterine device (IUD) implanted by a health care provider after unprotected sex may also act as emergency contraception 

 

-Some options provide relief from symptoms of heavy, painful periods. 

-Benefits may include lighter, more regular periods, fewer menstrual cramps, lower risk of ectopic pregnancy 

-The IUD, birth control shot, implants, vagina rings, patch and pill may safely skip periods.

_{(CDC, 2022)
(Hernandez, 2021)}

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 22). Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/depo-provera/about/pac-20392204

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Methods & Options: Types of birth control (2022) . Planned Parenthood. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control (Accessed: November 4, 2022).

Office on Women’s Health. (n.d). Birth Control Methods. U.S Department of Health and Human Services.  https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods.

-  Your provider should be aware if you previously or currently smoke tobacco or use nicotine products including: juul, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.

- Tell your provider if you start any new medications while on birth control, as certain medications can interfere with   contraception effectiveness. 

-  Discuss your contraceptive timeline and other birth control options not offered here at the student health center.

 -  It is important to remember that birth control is not one size fits all and make sure to update your health care provider on any concerns you might have before, during or after starting birth control.

_{(Mayo Clinic, 2022) 
(Planned Parenthood, 2022)}

-        Extensive research studies have been conducted and there is no evidence supporting this claim. Birth control options such as the pill, the patch and the ring have actually been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer  

-       Everyone responds to medications differently, however usually any initial weight gain is related to water retention and is more common in contraceptive methods that contain both progestin and estrogen 

-       After the ring is properly (and easily) inserted, it should stay in place regardless of sexual or physical activity. If the ring does fall out, it can be re-inserted within 48 hours after rinsing it with room temperature water.

_{(Nationwide Children's Hospital, 2022) 
(Mayo Clinic, 2022)}