reproductive health serted deep in the vagina. HOW IT WORKS: It releases a steady
dose of estrogen and progestin. IT’S ADMINISTERED: Though a prescription is required, you won’t need to be fitted. You insert the ring, similar to inserting a tampon, and leave it in place for 21 days. Then, you remove it for seven days, and bleeding occurs. HOW
The vaginal ring at left, IUD, above, and patch, below, are all hormone-based contraceptives.
BENEFITS: It provides a steady dose of
hormones which, when discontinued, allow for fertility to resume relatively quickly. DOWNSIDE: You must be comfortable
with inserting it in place. women who are on the pill and 1,000 women who are off, they both gain weight in the same amounts.”
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT: The
Injection (Depo-Provera)
NOTEWORTHY: “We’re fortunate in the
vaginal ring is 91 to 99 percent effective, latex-free, and requires maintenance only monthly. last five to 10 years that there are a lot of good forms of birth control on the market that are more technically aimed at not failing because the user doesn’t use them right,” Turk says. “That would include hormonal options such as the NuvaRing, where, instead of having to remember to take a pill each night, you just put the ring in your vagina and you leave it there for three weeks.”
WHAT IT IS: There are two types of
injections: one is given deep into your muscle; a newer version is administered just below the skin. HOW IT WORKS: The injection contains
progestin. HOW IT’S ADMINISTERED: It is given by
your health care provider once every three months. You don’t have to worry about contraception for three months. BENEFITS:
DOWNSIDE: You can’t use the injection
for more than two consecutive years because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT: The
injection is 94 to 99 percent effective. It is a very low-maintenance, reversible option that is estrogen-free.
Subdermal Implant (Implanon or Nexplanon) WHAT IT IS: The implant is a flexible,
plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It’s about the size of a matchstick and usually can’t be seen when in place. HOW IT WORKS: It releases a steady
dose of progestin. HOW IT’S ADMINISTERED: It must be
inserted and removed by a health care provider. Insertion takes about one
40
healthylife
minute. Removal requires a local anesthetic and a small incision, and takes about five minutes. BENEFITS: The hormone supply lasts
for up to three years. Then, the rod must be removed. If it is not replaced immediately, you can regain fertility relatively quickly. DOWNSIDES: The implant may cause
irregular bleeding, resulting in periods that are heavier and/or longer, or periods that are lighter and/or less frequent. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT: The
implant is a long-term, 99-percent effective option that’s easily reversible and estrogen-free.
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
Transdermal Patch (Ortho Evra) WHAT IT IS: The patch is an adhesive,
about 1.75 square inches in area, that is affixed to your upper body, outer arm, lower abdomen or buttocks. HOW IT WORKS: It releases a steady
dose of estrogen and progestin. HOW IT’S ADMINISTERED: It requires a prescription, but is self-administered on a four-week cycle. You use a new patch once a week for three consecutive weeks. You don’t apply the patch on the fourth week, which causes menstruation to occur. BENEFITS: The patch doesn’t require
daily maintenance. When discontinued, it allows for a quick return to fertility. DOWNSIDES: You are exposed to a
WHAT IT IS: The vaginal ring is a flex-
higher level of estrogen than with combination birth control pills.
ible, transparent plastic ring that is in-
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT: The