Hormonal Contraception Information

Hormonal contraception is a type of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. It usually involves a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone or only the hormone progesterone. Hormonal contraception works in these ways:

• It thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus.
• It changes the lining of the uterus, making it harder for an egg to implant.
• It may stop the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). Some women who take hormonal contraceptives that contain only progesterone may continue to ovulate.

Hormonal contraception cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pregnancy may still occur.

Estrogen and progesterone contraceptives

Contraceptives that use a combination of estrogen and progesterone are available in these forms:

• Pill. Pills come in different combinations of hormones. They must be taken at the same time each day. Pills can affect your period, causing you to get your period once every three months or not at all.
• Patch. The patch must be worn on the lower abdomen for three weeks and then removed on the fourth.
• Vaginal ring. The ring is placed in the vagina and left there for three weeks. It is then removed for one week.

Progesterone contraceptives

Contraceptives that use progesterone only are available in these forms:

• Pill. Pills should be taken every day of the cycle.
• Intrauterine device (IUD). This device is inserted into the uterus and removed or replaced every five years or sooner.
• Implant. Plastic rods are placed under the skin of the upper arm. They are removed or replaced every three years or sooner.
• Injection. The injection is given once every 90 days.

What are the side effects?

The side effects of estrogen and progesterone contraceptives include:

• Nausea.
• Headaches.
• Breast tenderness.
• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles.
• High blood pressure (rare).
• Strokes, heart attacks, or blood clots (rare)

Side effects of progesterone-only contraceptives include:

• Nausea.
• Headaches.
• Breast tenderness.
• Unpredictable menstrual bleeding.
• High blood pressure (rare).

Talk to your health care provider about what side effects may affect you.

Where to find more information

• Ask your health care provider for more information and resources about hormonal contraception.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health: www.womenshealth.gov  

Questions to ask:

• What type of hormonal contraception is right for me?
• How long should I plan to use hormonal contraception?
• What are the side effects of the hormonal contraception method I choose?
• How can I prevent STIs while using hormonal contraception?

Contact a health care provider if:

• You start taking hormonal contraceptives and you develop persistent or severe side effects.

Summary

• Estrogen and progesterone are hormones used in many forms of birth control.
• Talk to your health care provider about what side effects may affect you.
• Hormonal contraception cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Ask your health care provider for more information and resources about hormonal contraception.