All of the hormonal methods have different possible side effects, ranging from weight gain to blood clots in the legs, heart or brain. Needless to say, you must see a doctor before beginning any of these methods so that you can be aware of the side effects. Hormonal methods are all 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly. Ironically, these methods can also have an effect on your libido.
There are many different brands of birth control pills, but there are essentially two types of oral contraception: progestin-only pills and combination pills (which use both estrogen and progestin). Depending on your medical makeup and needs, your doctor will recommend one or the other. The basic function of the pill is to trick your body into thinking that you're pregnant. As you know, when a woman is pregnant, the body sends out signals (that is, progestin) to tell the reproductive system not to allow more pregnancy to occur. You have to take the pill the same time every day, so it's important to get yourself into the habit of establishing a pill routine. The only time that you shouldn't take the pill is when you're scheduled to menstruate, but many pill kits have harmless sugar pills for you to take on those days so that you don't break the habit. Some brands of birth control pills help clear up your skin, but others cause mild weight gain. That's the price of messing with your hormones.
With Depo-provera treatment, you will get an injection in the backside every 3 months with a needle that releases a hormone similar to progesterone. This hormone keeps your ovaries from releasing eggs, so it's basically impossible to get pregnant.
Norplant is a commitment. Six thin plastic implants are put under the skin of your arm, and hormones are released constantly for 5 years to keep your ovaries from releasing eggs. The insertion is painless (except for the prick of the numbing needle). Norplant can be removed early, but it is fairly expensive, and therefore, this method isn't worth it unless you plan on leaving the implants in for the full 5 years.
