What is it and how does it work to prevent pregnancy?
- Hormones (estrogen and progestin) stop the ovary from releasing an egg, so there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize
- The hormones also cause thickening of the mucus in the cervix, making it hard for sperm to get through
- With the PILL, the hormones are swallowed every day
- With the PATCH, the hormones enter the body through the skin. Each patch is worn for 7 days and then replaced with a new patch (on a different part of your body)—after 3 patches (3 weeks), there is a week with no patch. This is when you will get a period.
- With the vaginal RING, the hormones come in through the vagina. The amount of time the ring is worn changes depending on the brand. As with the patch, when you remove the ring, you will get your period.
How effective is it in preventing pregnancy?
These methods are very effective. Only 8 of 100 couples typically become pregnant in the first year.
How effective is it in preventing STDs?
These methods are NOT AT ALL effective in preventing STDs or HIV. If a person has sex, condoms must ALSO be used to reduce the risk of STDs and HIV.
Other Things to Know about the PILL, PATCH, and RING:
Advantages:
- Using the PILL, PATCH, or RING does not cause cancer or weight gain (in fact, these methods protect from two kinds of cancer: cancer of the ovary, and cancer of the endometrium, or lining of the uterus)
- Don’t want to have a regular period? The pill, patch, and ring all have period-free options. Talk to your doctor.
Disadvantages:
- A prescription is needed from a doctor or clinic
- There is a slight risk of rare, but serious, cardiovascular events: blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks
- Spotting between periods, breast soreness, and nausea may happen. These “minor” side effects generally improve with continuation of these methods The ring requires that the woman is comfortable inserting something in herself vaginally
Acknowledgement: This article was adapted from PlannedParenthood.org, a website that provides education about reproductive and sexual health.
Special Thanks: Melissa A. Habel, MPH, Health Scientist
Division of STD Prevention Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
