Contraceptive Methods

Polo Galvez 21/5/12
Contraceptive Methods
Your choice of a contraceptive method depends on severalfactors such as efficacy, safety, personal preference, cost and benefits. The methods are divided into two categories: hormonal contraceptives and nonhormonal contraceptives.
Hormonal Methods
* OralContraceptives (the pill)
-Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones and there are two types, combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills work by preventing the ovaries fromreleasing eggs and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Progestin-only pills primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus.
* NuvaRing (vaginal ring)
-The NuvaRing is a small, flexiblering that is inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring releases a combination of progestin and estrogen to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and the progestin thickens thecervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus.
* Ortho Evra (patch)
-The Ortho Evra Patch is a combined estrogen/progestin adhesive patch on the skin. The patch is placedin one of four locations: buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper arm once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a 7-day patch free week. The combination of hormones works by keeping theovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
* Depo-Provera (injectable)
-Depo-Provera is an injectable form of hormonal contraception. The active ingredient of Depo-Provera (DMPA) is a synthetic form ofprogesterone called medroxyprogesterone acetate. Each injection provides contraception for 13 weeks. DMPA primarily works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and by thickeningthe cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
* Intrauterine Device IUD (Mirena, Progestin-releasing IUD)
-The IUD is a small T-shaped plastic device. Two types of IUDs are...