Hormonal contraceptive
What is contraceptive
Contraceptive is a device or drug serving to prevent pregnancy.
Contraception allows them to put off having children until their bodies are fully able to support a pregnancy. It can also prevent pregnancy for older people who face pregnancy-related risks. Contraceptive use reduces the need for abortion by preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Contraception can be used to plan when to have children and how many children to have. This includes choosing:
when they want to begin having children
how far apart they want their children to be
when they want to stop having children
CHOOSING A BIRTH CONTROL METHOD
It can be difficult to decide which birth control method is best due to the variety of options available. The best method is one that will be used consistently and does not cause bothersome side effects. Other factors to consider include:
●Efficacy (how well it works to prevent pregnancy)
●Convenience
●How long the drug or device can be used
●Whether and how it affects your monthly period
●Type and frequency of side effects
●Affordability
●Privacy concerns
●Whether or not it also protects against sexually transmitted diseases
●How quickly your fertility will return if you stop taking it
You should also think about whether you are comfortable remembering to take a pill every day, whether you want to involve your partner(s) in the decision, and whether and when you might want to get pregnant in the future. No birth control is perfect; you must balance the advantages and disadvantages of the different options and decide which method is best for you.
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE
Hormonal methods of birth control (contraception) contain either estrogen and progestin or progestin only; they are a safe and reliable way to prevent pregnancy for most people. Hormonal methods include an implant, an intrauterine device (IUD), injections, pills, vaginal rings, and skin patches.
BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT
The implant (brand name: Nexplanon) is a small rod that contains the hormone progestin. It is inserted under the skin into the upper inner arm by a health care provider. It is effective for at least three years but can be removed earlier if you decide you want to get pregnant or simply prefer not to continue use of the implant. Insertion and removal can be done in an office or clinic.
The implant is one of the most effective methods of birth control. It provides at least three years of protection from pregnancy as progestin is slowly absorbed into the surrounding tissues. Depending on when during the menstrual cycle the implant is placed, backup birth control (for instance condoms) may be recommended for one week following placement. Irregular bleeding is the most bothersome side effect. Fertility returns rapidly after the rod is removed.
Side effects —
The most common side effects of the implant are irregular/unpredictable bleeding.
IUD WITH PROGESTRONE
There are several intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain a hormone called levonorgestrel (a type of progestin). One type (brand names: Liletta, Mirena) can be left in place for up to six years. The other options (brand names: Kyleena, Skyla) are somewhat smaller and can be left in place for up to five years (Kyleena) or three years (Skyla). All of the levonorgestrel IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy.
Side effects —
Although irregular bleeding is common initially after progestin IUD placement, bleeding tends to diminish over time. With ongoing use, people using Mirena or Liletta often experience little or no bleeding. Those who use Kyleena or Skyla are more likely to continue having monthly periods.
Oral contraceptives: There are various formulations and doses that can be changed to meet your needs. Most contain a combination of estrogen and a progestin. They can be used cyclically (to produce regular menstrual cycles) or continuously (no regular menstrual cycles).
Injectable progestin: Contains a form of progestin that is given as a shot every 12 weeks. It may take up to 12 months for you to start ovulating again after you stop getting the shots.
Skin Patch: Contains a form of both estrogen and progestin that is given weekly for 3 weeks followed by a patch-free week. It may not be as effective in women who weigh over 90 kg (200 pounds). Estrogen levels in women taking the patch may be higher than in women taking pills. This may mean a higher risk of blood clots.
Vaginal Ring: A flexible, small ring containing both estrogen and progestin. It is used continuously for 3 weeks, followed by a week without the ring. It can be removed for a short time for sexual intercourse.
What is emergency contraception (EC)?
EC is designed to prevent a pregnancy if it is taken within 72 hours after you have unprotected sex. If used properly, treatments are about 75% effective. EC prevents ovulation without affecting an already developing pregnancy. There are no medical reasons preventing women from taking EC. EC contains progestin, with or without estrogen, that is given in a single dose. In the United States, some brands can be purchased over the counter for women aged 17 and older.
What are the potential risks of using hormonal contraception?
Breast Cancer: A small number of studies show a slight increased risk of breast cancer in women under age 35 using hormonal contraception, but many more studies show no significant change in breast cancer risk. Overall by age 50 there is no increased risk of breast cancer in women using hormonal contraception.
Bone Strength: Injectable progestin may cause a short-term decrease in bone mass. Data are limited for other forms of hormonal contraception.
Heart Attack: This is extremely rare. Although hormonal contraception slightly increases this risk, women over age 35 who smoke are at a higher risk.
Stroke: This is very rare. This risk may be increased in women who have migraines proceeded by visual changes (aura) or who are over age 35 and smoke.
Blood Clots (venous thromboembolism): Although the overall risk is very low, the risk is increased in all women who use formulations containing estrogen. This risk is higher in women who have underlying conditions that make them more likely to develop blood clots.
Please ask your doctor for more information about the benefits, risks, and side effects of these contraceptive agents.
REFERENCES
Petitti DB. Clinical practice. Combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. N Engl J Med 2003; 349:1443.
Baerwald AR, Olatunbosun OA, Pierson RA. Ovarian follicular development is initiated during the hormone-free interval of oral contraceptive use. Contraception 2004; 70:371.
van Vliet HA, Grimes DA, Lopez LM, et al. Triphasic versus monophasic oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006; :CD003553.
Edelman AB, Gallo MF, Jensen JT, et al. Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; :CD004695.
Gallo MF, Grimes DA, Schulz KF. Skin patch and vaginal ring versus combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003; :CD003552.

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