UNDERSTANDING HORMONES IN BIRTH CONTROL

CHECK THE DIFFERENCE:
HORMONE-FREE OR WITH HORMONES

There are birth control methods with and without hormones. Hormones make the difference when it comes to preventing pregnancy effectively.

METHODS WITH HORMONES

are very effective in preventing pregnancy. The hormones used are similar to those that naturally occur in your body. They differ in how often they need to be used and how they distribute the hormones in your body. Some methods work by stopping eggs from being released from the ovaries. Others only thin the womb lining making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and thicken the cervical mucus making it harder for a sperm to implant. Some combine all of these actions.

METHODS WITHOUT HORMONES

differ in how effectively they prevent pregnancy. Many of these non-hormonal methods need to be used correctly before or during sex to be effective during sex. Some make use of copper or chemicals which are toxic to sperm. Others use materials that create a barrier between sperm and the egg during sex . Some rely on the right timing of sex or require surgery which is permanent.

Here is a short list of all methods with their hormone content and their ability to prevent pregnancy. Click on each icon to learn more about each method.

LOW IN HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE

Small doses of hormones that are released up to 6 years directly into the womb (IUS) or in the entire body (implant). Periods will get lighter and shorter over time or completely stop, some IUS do so without affecting your cycle.

WITH HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE

Need to be taken or administered daily, weekly or monthly depending on the method. Hormones are distributed in the entire body (injection, patch, pill) or the vagina only (ring). Periods will get lighter and shorter over time or completely stop.

NO HORMONES AND VERY EFFECTIVE

Hormone-free. Prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years (copper coil) or permanently (sterilization). Copper coils contain the metal copper and can cause heavier periods and cramps.

NO HORMONES AND LESS EFFECTIVE

Hormone-free. The ability to prevent pregnancy of these methods depends on how correctly you use them before or during sex. Some might use chemicals or materials that can cause allergic reactions. They have no effect on your period or cycle.

COMPARE BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

Birth control is about your needs and preferences. Learn more about birth control methods, compare their hormone content, how effectively each one prevents pregnancy and other important characteristics.