Sexual Health: Your Guide to Birth Control: Other Options

Along with condoms, spermicides, birth control pills, Norplant, Depo-Provera and sterilization, there are a variety of other birth control methods to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding on an approach, be sure to discuss all the options with your partner and doctor to determine which is best for you.

What is NuvaRing?

NuvaRing is a new birth control option for women. It is a small flexible contraceptive ring, about the size of a silver dollar.

How Does It Work?

NuvaRing contains the same hormones as many birth control pills. It is inserted manually into the vagina, where it is left for three weeks. There, a continuous, low dose of hormones is released.

Then the ring is removed for one week. This is the week you'll have your period.

How Effective Is NuvaRing?

When used correctly, NuvaRing is 98%-99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Are There Side Effects Associated With NuvaRing?

The most common side effects reported by users are:

• Headache
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness

Who Should Not Use NuvaRing?

Some women should not consider the NuvaRing. They include women:

• With a history of blood clots, heart attack or stroke
• With breast cancer
• Who are pregnant or think they might be
• Over 35 who smoke cigarettes

Does NuvaRing Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

No. NuvaRing does not protect against STDs, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). The male condom provides the best protection from most STDs.

What's The Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra)?

Ortho Evra is a tiny skin patch with the same hormones as in many birth control pills. Women can wear this patch on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (except for the breasts) or the outer part of your upper arm. You should not place the patch on skin that is red, irritated, or cut, or skin where you apply makeup, creams or powders.

How Does It Work?

A new patch is worn for one week and then replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. The fourth week is a "patch-free week". This is when you should have your period.

Women should only wear one patch at a time.

The contraceptive patch prevents pregnancy by delivering a continuous amount of two hormones, estrogen and progestin (the same hormones in most birth control pills) through the skin and into the blood stream.

How Effective Is the Birth Control Patch?

The Ortho Evra contraceptive patch is 99% effective when used correctly.

Are There Side Effects Associated With The Birth Control Patch?

There are a few possible side effects that include:

• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Rash or redness at the site of the patch
• Nausea
• Menstrual cramps

Who Shouldn't Get the Birth Control Patch?

Some women should not get the Ortho Evra patch. They include women:

• with blood clots, history of heart attack or stroke.
• over 35, who smoke cigarettes.
• with certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
• who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant.