How to Navigate New Birth Control Options

Finding the best method of contraception is a very personal choice. Traditional over-the-counter products are still available, but today there are a number of new products that not only prevent conception, but can help you regulate your menstrual cycle, which may also reduce period-related woes, including headaches, cramps, heavy flow, irritability, bloating and breast tenderness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Consider extended regimen pills. These pills contain progestin and estrogen, which you take daily for three months, giving you only four periods a year. Other options (such as Lybrel) is taken 365 days a year, eliminating periods altogether.
   
   These pills are a good option if you suffer from life-disrupting PMS symptoms. Drawbacks include spotting or breakthrough bleeding, but these common side effects should decrease over time.
2. Investigate progestin-only pills. These are daily pills that contain progestin but no estrogen (more traditional pill cycle).
   
   Try these if you have heavy flow, are breast-feeding or can't take estrogen. Downside: Breakthrough bleeding is common and you must take the pills at the same time daily.
3. Learn about Depo-Provera. This method is in the form of a shot that contains progestin and is given four times a year (every 11 to 13 weeks) to help prevent pregnancy for three months. It may result in lighter or no periods.
   
   This is a good option if you have severe PMS or heavy flow, or have a tendency to forget to take daily pills. Drawbacks include possible bone calcium loss, and initial spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
4. Consider hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD). A tiny T-shaped plastic piece (such as the brand Mirena) is inserted into the uterus, where it slowly releases small amounts of the hormone levonorgestrel to protect against pregnancy for as long as five years.
   
   Try an IUD if you forget to take daily pills or want to postpone having kids long-term. One drawback to an IUD is that health care professionals have a harder time inserting IUDs in women who haven't had children.
5. Try NuvaRing. This flexible ring is placed inside the vagina for three weeks where it releases low doses of estrogen and progestin.
   
   Also a good option for women who forget to take daily pills. However, some women claim they can feel the ring when it's in - which can be a drawback for some.
6. Consider combination pills such as Ortho Tri-cylen Lo, contain progestin and estrogen, and is taken daily for three weeks. Another type of this pill is Yaz which is taken daily for 24 days and contains estrogen and DRSP progestin, the only kind of progestin not derived from testosterone.
   
   Combination pills are a good choice for women who have acne, but the drawback (compared to extended regimen pills)is more periods and the period-week symptoms that come along with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit with your doctor the contraceptive choice that is best for you.