Reversible Prescription Methods

Depo-Provera

Injection of progestin to keep ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucus

Effectiveness with typical use: 3 out of 1000 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • Convenient
  • Long-lasting (3 months)
  • Protects against ovarian cyst & endometrial cancer
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Women with certain medical history should not use it
  • Irregular bleeding, spotting, longer periods, or no periods
  • Delay in pregnancy
Cost: $50 for three months

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Small devices made of plastic containing either copper or natural hormones

Effectiveness with typical use: 2 or fewer women out of 100 will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • Convenient
  • Long-lasting (10 years)
  • Cost is low for long-term protection
  • Does not change hormone level in body
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Increase in cramping, spotting
  • Periods may be heavier and last longer
Cost: Range from $175-$450 for 10 years

Birth Control Pill

Monthly series of pills taken daily containing estrogen and progestin

Effectiveness with typical use: 5 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • Regular, shorter periods
  • Less acne
  • Reduce risk of ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis
  • Can change prescription to reduce side effects
Disadvantages:
  • Must take everyday
  • No protection from STIs
  • Spotting
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Smokers shouldn't take it
Cost: $15-30 per month

Diaphragm & Cervical Cap

Soft rubber barrier measured to fit securely over the cervix, used with spermicide

Effectiveness with typical use: 20 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • Once learned, easy to insert
  • Cannot be felt by partner
  • Diaphragm left in for 24 hours
  • Cervical cap left in for 48 hours
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Effectiveness goes down after birth of child
  • Have to be comfortable inserting
Cost: $13-$25, exam $50-$125

Nuvaring (Ring)

Insertion of small, flexible ring once a month that releases estrogen and progestin

Effectiveness with typical use: 8 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • No pill taken daily
  • Good for one month
  • No fitting or use of spermicide
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Increase discharge and irritation
  • Spotting
  • Have to be comfortable inserting
  • Some can feel it during sex
Cost: $30-35 per month

Ortho-Evra (Patch)

Place once-a-week thin, plastic patch on the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso; contains estrogen and progestin

Effectiveness with typical use: 1 out of 100 women will become pregnant
Advantages:
  • No pill to take
  • Lasts a week
Disadvantages:
  • No protection from STIs
  • Skin reaction possible
  • Cramps and spotting
  • May not be effective for women over 198 pounds
Cost: $30-35 per month