1:49Types of Birth Control
1:49
Types of Birth Control
There are two types of hormonal birth control:
Hormonal birth control methods tend to be very popular. You may wish to use hormonal contraception because:
Here is a list of all of the available hormonal birth control methods for you to use. The first three are combination methods and the rest of the list are progestin-only hormonal birth control options.
Combination Birth Control PillsBSIP / UIG / Getty ImagesCombo birth control pills must be taken every day, at the same time. They contain Ethinyl estradiol and one of the following types ofprogestin: norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, ethynodiol diacetate, levonorgestrel, norgestrel, desogestrel, norgestimate, or drospirenone. Each of these progestins has its own profile based on its progestational, estrogenic, and androgenic effects on your body. There is also a new combination birth control pill calledNatazia—this is the only pill that contains estradiol valerate and the progestin, dienogest. Combination birth control pills are also categorized as monophasic, biphasic or triphasic—this is based on how the hormones are distributed over the weeks in each pill pack. There are also extended cycle combination pills.
Combination Birth Control Pills
BSIP / UIG / Getty Images
Combo birth control pills must be taken every day, at the same time. They contain Ethinyl estradiol and one of the following types ofprogestin: norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, ethynodiol diacetate, levonorgestrel, norgestrel, desogestrel, norgestimate, or drospirenone. Each of these progestins has its own profile based on its progestational, estrogenic, and androgenic effects on your body. There is also a new combination birth control pill calledNatazia—this is the only pill that contains estradiol valerate and the progestin, dienogest. Combination birth control pills are also categorized as monophasic, biphasic or triphasic—this is based on how the hormones are distributed over the weeks in each pill pack. There are also extended cycle combination pills.
NuvaRingTheNuvaRingis a combination contraceptive that must be inserted into the vagina. Once inserted, it gradually releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, etonogestrel. You insert NuvaRing and leave it in place for three weeks. On Week 4, youtake it out—this is when you should have yourwithdrawal period.
NuvaRing
TheNuvaRingis a combination contraceptive that must be inserted into the vagina. Once inserted, it gradually releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, etonogestrel. You insert NuvaRing and leave it in place for three weeks. On Week 4, youtake it out—this is when you should have yourwithdrawal period.
The PatchThebirth control patchis applied to the skin. It releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, norelgestromin directly through the skin. You need to replace the patch every week (for three weeks). During Week 4, youkeep the patch off.
The Patch
Thebirth control patchis applied to the skin. It releases Ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, norelgestromin directly through the skin. You need to replace the patch every week (for three weeks). During Week 4, youkeep the patch off.
NexplanonNexplanon is a progestin-only birth control insert that contains 68 mg of the progestin, etonogestrel. This single rod is inserted into your upper arm where the progestin is slowly released. The implant also contains radiopaque (this is so it can be easily seen on an X-ray to make sure that the rod has been properly placed). It is considered to be a long-acting, reversible contraceptive (LARC)—once Nexplanon is inserted, it provides pregnancy protection for up to three years.Nexplanon Contraceptive Implant
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin-only birth control insert that contains 68 mg of the progestin, etonogestrel. This single rod is inserted into your upper arm where the progestin is slowly released. The implant also contains radiopaque (this is so it can be easily seen on an X-ray to make sure that the rod has been properly placed). It is considered to be a long-acting, reversible contraceptive (LARC)—once Nexplanon is inserted, it provides pregnancy protection for up to three years.
Nexplanon Contraceptive Implant
Depo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 InjectionDepo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 are hormonalcontraceptive injections. Both depo shots are similar—each injection slowly releases the progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate. You must get a Depo Provera injection every 11 to 13 weeks (Depo-subQ Provera 104 injections must happen every 12-14 weeks). If you use Depo Provera, you basically need to have four injections each year. Like all hormonal birth control methods, Depo Provera does have someside effects. Many women stop using Depo Provera because of the side effects (like irregular or continuous bleeding). There is no way to know before starting Depo Provera if you will have any of these side effects. The good news about Depo Provera—it has been FDA-approved to help treat endometriosis.Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Depo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 Injection
Depo Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 are hormonalcontraceptive injections. Both depo shots are similar—each injection slowly releases the progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate. You must get a Depo Provera injection every 11 to 13 weeks (Depo-subQ Provera 104 injections must happen every 12-14 weeks). If you use Depo Provera, you basically need to have four injections each year. Like all hormonal birth control methods, Depo Provera does have someside effects. Many women stop using Depo Provera because of the side effects (like irregular or continuous bleeding). There is no way to know before starting Depo Provera if you will have any of these side effects. The good news about Depo Provera—it has been FDA-approved to help treat endometriosis.
Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Mirena IUD
The Mini-PillThe mini-pill is a progestin-only type of birth control pill. They are known to cause fewer side effects than combination pills. Because they do not contain estrogen, the mini-pill is a good birth control option for new breastfeeding moms. The mini-pill is most effective when taken at the same time every day. The mini-pill comes in 28-day packs—you need to remember to take one of these pills every day for each 4-week pill cycle.In July 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvedOpill (norgestrel), aprogestin-only oral contraceptive, to be sold over-the-counter (OTC). Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription. Before starting a birth control method, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, even if your method of choice doesn’t require a prescription.
The Mini-Pill
The mini-pill is a progestin-only type of birth control pill. They are known to cause fewer side effects than combination pills. Because they do not contain estrogen, the mini-pill is a good birth control option for new breastfeeding moms. The mini-pill is most effective when taken at the same time every day. The mini-pill comes in 28-day packs—you need to remember to take one of these pills every day for each 4-week pill cycle.
In July 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvedOpill (norgestrel), aprogestin-only oral contraceptive, to be sold over-the-counter (OTC). Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription. Before starting a birth control method, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, even if your method of choice doesn’t require a prescription.
Skyla IUDSkyla is also known as the mini IUD. Once inserted, Skyla releases the progestin levonorgestrel (14 mcg a day)—Skyla lasts for three years. The Skyla IUD is considered a great hormonal birth control option for teenagers and women who haven’t given birth. The Skyla IUD (and the tube used to insert it) is smaller than Mirena and ParaGard. This makes Skyla a little bit easier and less painful to insert. Like any IUD, you can also have Skyla removed at any time.
Skyla IUD
Skyla is also known as the mini IUD. Once inserted, Skyla releases the progestin levonorgestrel (14 mcg a day)—Skyla lasts for three years. The Skyla IUD is considered a great hormonal birth control option for teenagers and women who haven’t given birth. The Skyla IUD (and the tube used to insert it) is smaller than Mirena and ParaGard. This makes Skyla a little bit easier and less painful to insert. Like any IUD, you can also have Skyla removed at any time.
A Word From VerywellThese birth control methods may not be the safest contraception for all women. That’s why it’s important totalk to your healthcare providerand review your medical history carefully.Be honest during this conversation. Why? Because certain behaviors (like smoking) may put you more at risk for complications while using hormonal birth control.Also, keep in mind that hormonal birth control:Does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseasesMay be less effective if you use certain medicationsCould possibly increase your risk of developing ablood clotMay be less effective if you are very overweight
A Word From Verywell
These birth control methods may not be the safest contraception for all women. That’s why it’s important totalk to your healthcare providerand review your medical history carefully.
Be honest during this conversation. Why? Because certain behaviors (like smoking) may put you more at risk for complications while using hormonal birth control.
Also, keep in mind that hormonal birth control:
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petitti DB, Sidney S.Four decades of research on hormonal contraception.Perm J. 2005;9(1):29–34. doi:10.7812/tpp/04-129Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015Wieder DR, Pattimakiel L.Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing).Int J Womens Health. 2010;2:401–409. Published 2010 Nov 12. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6162Galzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:315–321. Published 2017 May 15. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S102306Thew M.Etonogestrel Implant-To Leave or Stay: A Case Series[published correction appears in Glob Pediatr Health. 2018 Apr 11;5:2333794X18770311].Glob Pediatr Health. 2017;4:2333794X17738844. Published 2017 Nov 21. doi:10.1177/2333794X17738844Halpern V, Combes SL, Dorflinger LJ, Weiner DH, Archer DF.Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injected in the upper arm.Contraception. 2014;89(1):31-35. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.07.002Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Mirena prescribing information.Grimes DA, Lopez LM, Obrien PA, Raymond EG.Progestin-only pills for contraception.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007541.pub2Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. Published 2016 Sep 13. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755National Research Council (US) Committee on Population.Contraception and Reproduction: Health Consequences for Women and Children in the Developing World. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 4, Contraceptive Benefits and Risks.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petitti DB, Sidney S.Four decades of research on hormonal contraception.Perm J. 2005;9(1):29–34. doi:10.7812/tpp/04-129Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015Wieder DR, Pattimakiel L.Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing).Int J Womens Health. 2010;2:401–409. Published 2010 Nov 12. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6162Galzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:315–321. Published 2017 May 15. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S102306Thew M.Etonogestrel Implant-To Leave or Stay: A Case Series[published correction appears in Glob Pediatr Health. 2018 Apr 11;5:2333794X18770311].Glob Pediatr Health. 2017;4:2333794X17738844. Published 2017 Nov 21. doi:10.1177/2333794X17738844Halpern V, Combes SL, Dorflinger LJ, Weiner DH, Archer DF.Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injected in the upper arm.Contraception. 2014;89(1):31-35. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.07.002Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Mirena prescribing information.Grimes DA, Lopez LM, Obrien PA, Raymond EG.Progestin-only pills for contraception.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007541.pub2Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. Published 2016 Sep 13. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755National Research Council (US) Committee on Population.Contraception and Reproduction: Health Consequences for Women and Children in the Developing World. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 4, Contraceptive Benefits and Risks.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Petitti DB, Sidney S.Four decades of research on hormonal contraception.Perm J. 2005;9(1):29–34. doi:10.7812/tpp/04-129Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015Wieder DR, Pattimakiel L.Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing).Int J Womens Health. 2010;2:401–409. Published 2010 Nov 12. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6162Galzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:315–321. Published 2017 May 15. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S102306Thew M.Etonogestrel Implant-To Leave or Stay: A Case Series[published correction appears in Glob Pediatr Health. 2018 Apr 11;5:2333794X18770311].Glob Pediatr Health. 2017;4:2333794X17738844. Published 2017 Nov 21. doi:10.1177/2333794X17738844Halpern V, Combes SL, Dorflinger LJ, Weiner DH, Archer DF.Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injected in the upper arm.Contraception. 2014;89(1):31-35. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.07.002Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Mirena prescribing information.Grimes DA, Lopez LM, Obrien PA, Raymond EG.Progestin-only pills for contraception.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007541.pub2Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. Published 2016 Sep 13. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755National Research Council (US) Committee on Population.Contraception and Reproduction: Health Consequences for Women and Children in the Developing World. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 4, Contraceptive Benefits and Risks.
Petitti DB, Sidney S.Four decades of research on hormonal contraception.Perm J. 2005;9(1):29–34. doi:10.7812/tpp/04-129
Regidor PA.The clinical relevance of progestogens in hormonal contraception: Present status and future developments.Oncotarget. 2018;9(77):34628–34638. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.26015
Wieder DR, Pattimakiel L.Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing).Int J Womens Health. 2010;2:401–409. Published 2010 Nov 12. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S6162
Galzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:315–321. Published 2017 May 15. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S102306
Thew M.Etonogestrel Implant-To Leave or Stay: A Case Series[published correction appears in Glob Pediatr Health. 2018 Apr 11;5:2333794X18770311].Glob Pediatr Health. 2017;4:2333794X17738844. Published 2017 Nov 21. doi:10.1177/2333794X17738844
Halpern V, Combes SL, Dorflinger LJ, Weiner DH, Archer DF.Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injected in the upper arm.Contraception. 2014;89(1):31-35. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.07.002
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.Mirena prescribing information.
Grimes DA, Lopez LM, Obrien PA, Raymond EG.Progestin-only pills for contraception.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd007541.pub2
Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. Published 2016 Sep 13. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755
National Research Council (US) Committee on Population.Contraception and Reproduction: Health Consequences for Women and Children in the Developing World. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 4, Contraceptive Benefits and Risks.
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