How to Use Hormonal Methods of Birth Control

Many women use hormonal birth control methods in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation and changes the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to complete implantation in the uterus. There are a variety of hormonal birth control methods to choose from and each method has advantages, disadvantages, benefits and risks. Hormonal birth control varies based upon the type and amount of hormones involved and the way it enters the body. There are a few things that you should do if you are considering using hormonal birth control.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gynecologist
• Health evaluation
• Medical examinations (pap smear, pelvic and breast exams)
• blood tests

1. Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. In order to use hormonal birth control, you must have a health evaluation, medical examination (which includes a pap smear, pelvic and breast exams) and possibly blood tests.
2. Go to your appointment. Complete the examination process and discuss the various types of hormonal birth control with your doctor. There are several types of hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills, Depo-Provera (the shot), The Patch (Ortho Evra), The Ring (Nuva Ring) and the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). Some of the methods have higher hormonal doses than others, but each method contains either estrogen or progesteron, or both.
3. Be aware of how each method is used. Some hormonal birth control methods are taken orally (by mouth), placed in the vagina, injected or absorbed through the skin, or implanted into the body.
4. Choose a hormonal birth control method that best suits your needs, lifestyle and financial budget. Some methods are taken everyday (like birth control pills), some are used weekly (The Patch), while others are used on a monthly basis (The Nuva Ring). The Depo-Provera shot is taken once every 12 weeks and is administered by a doctor or nurse.
5. Take your birth control directly as prescribed by your doctor. You can easily become pregnant if you do not follow all of the directions. Be sure to discuss any problems or complications with your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Some hormonal birth control methods have unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness and moodiness.
• Certain medications (like antibiotics) can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.