Are birth control pills the only hormonal method for contraception?

Not just OCPs (oral contraceptive pills), there are other commonly used hormonal methods of contraception.

I am a 26-year-old woman. I was recently reading online about contraceptive methods and birth control pills. Are there any other hormonal methods of contraception?

The query is answered by Dr SushmaTomar, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan.

Birth Control Pills, commonly known as oral contraceptives, prevent pregnancies in 95% of cases and come close to providing 99% protection if you take one pill every day as prescribed by your physician. However, these do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections and are to be consumed only by prescription. Emergency pill or I pill, can also help to prevent pregnancy if you have had intercourse but failed to use any protection. As known, these pills contain hormones progesterone and estrogen and hence, are known as hormonal pills. Read about birth control pills effectiveness, side-effects and health risks.

Apart from this, the other commonly used hormonal methods of contraception include:

1. Skin patches, which are small, thin, adhesive patches that release a steady stream of hormones, estrogen and progesterone, into your system. These hormones help in preventing pregnancy. These patches are easy to use and are usually required to be replaced every week.

2. Vaginal rings are flexible, lightweight device that is inserted into the vagina. These contain estrogen and progestin which retain the eggs in the ovaries and thicken the cervical mucus to preventing sperms from entering the uterus. Here's everything you wanted to know about the vaginal ring (NuvaRing )

3. Hormone patches cause estrogen and progesterone to be released through the skin to prevent pregnancy. They are safe, inexpensive and easy to use. It is recommended to use a single patch a week for up to 3 weeks and the fourth/ last week is concluded without using a patch. During the fourth week, your menstrual cycle begins. The patch can be worn on the buttocks, lower abdomen or your upper arm.

Also read about 8 methods of contraception you should know about.

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