Hormone Based Contraception

Hormonal contraceptives all contain a small amount of man-made estrogen and progestin hormones which inhibit the body's natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation.

Estrogen-Progestin pills

Cost: $30-45 per cycle 

Pros:

• Reduces PMS, menstrual cramps, and heaviness of flow

• Reduces acne 

• Reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer.

Cons:

• No protection from STI’s 

• Must be taken consistently in order to be effective

• Increased risk of cervical cancer 

• Possible side effects such as nausea, irregular bleeding, etc 

All birth control methods have their advantages and drawbacks. It’s important that you find a method that best suits your needs!

Progestin only pills

Cost: $30-40 per cycle 

Pros:

• Since only progesterone, no estrogen related side effects such as nausea

• Can be taken while breast-feeding 

Cons:

• No protection from STI’s

• Must be taken consistently in order to be effective

• May increase acne 

Vaginal ring / NuvaRing

Cost: $0-200

Pros:

• Releases a consistent dose of hormone 

• No need for pill/ strict schedule

Cons:

• Only lasts for 1 month once inserted

• No protection from STI’s

• Increased chances of vaginal discharge

• Not effective for women over 200 lbs

Skin patch / Ortho Evra

Cost: $30-40 per month

Pros:

• Releases a consistent dose of hormone 

• No need for pill/ strict schedule

Cons:

• No protection from STI’s

• Increase chance of blood clots compared to pills/ring

• Skin irritation around placement of patch 

Depo-Provera injection

Cost: price may vary due to four shots required each year, estimated expenditure of $200-700 annually 

Pros:

• No estrogen-related side effects. 

• Can be used while breast-feeding.

Cons:

• No protection from STI’s

• Clinic visits and injection every 3 months.

• Possible weight gain and mood change

Sources: Crooks and Baur. Our Sexuality. 12th Edition; Planned Parenthood