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What are the differences between the 'contraceptive pill' and other methods of hormonal contraceptives?

The usual contraceptive pill, the combined pill, contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. Taken together in the pill they prevent egg production in the women's ovaries. The implants and injections that are available in the UK contain only one hormone, progestogen. This makes them safer for some women who can't take oestrogen. Like the pill they prevent egg production and so are very effective as contraceptives. Neither of these methods stops you getting infections, you need to use a condom for that.

 

 

 

What are injectable hormonal contraceptives, Depo-Provera?

Injections are one type of slow-release contraception and are very effective. In the UK we usually use Depo-Provera, which lasts for 12 weeks. This means that you don't have to remember to take a pill each day. During this time it is not possible to stop the release of hormones. Initially they often make your periods irregular and eventually stop them altogether. Once you have stopped the injections it might be some months before your periods start again and you become fertile. You can, however, get pregnant before your periods start again. If you stop using the injection and don't want to get pregnant you must start to use another contraceptive method as soon as 12 weeks have passed since your last injection. You might also gain or loose weight.

 

 

 

What are hormonal implants, Implanon?

Implants are another type of slow-release contraception. In the UK we use Implanon, which is a 4cm flexible rod that contains progestogen. It is inserted, by a doctor, just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. Local anaesthetic makes this a relatively painless procedure.

 

 

 

How do hormonal implants work?

Once in place the implanted rod releases a small amount of hormone continuously during the next three years providing excellent contraception. So far there have been no pregnancies reported in over 2000 women who have used it. Like the injection the implant can affect the regularity of your periods and might stop them. Unlike the injection, Depo-Provera, it is rapidly reversible and fertility returns to normal as soon as it is removed. In common with other hormonal contraceptives implants can have side effects such as mood swings, weight change, headaches and acne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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