There are numerous forms of contraception available to women, and all when used appropriately are very effective. When categorizing contraceptive options available one can classify them as being hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal options include “The Patch”, oral contraceptive pills (OCP’s), “The Vaginal Ring”, injectables (i.e. the depo shot) and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD’s). Non-hormonal options include condoms (both male and female), non-progestin releasing intrauterine devices, cervical caps and diaphragms, spermicides and tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied). All sexually active women in search of advice about their contraceptive options should see their Obstetrician/Gynecologist for the expert specialized treatment they can provide.

The Patch: The Ortho-evra contraceptive patch is a square patch (approximately 1 inch by 1 inch) that is applied to the buttocks, shoulder or abdomen once a week for three weeks each month. During the fourth week of the month no patch is used. The patch slowly releases hormones across the skin into the body that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). The patch, when used correctly is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP’s): Numerous forms of oral contraceptive pills exist. They can differ both in the type of hormones they contain as well as in the amounts of hormone they contain. OCP’s are taken on a daily basis (generally at the same time each day) and when used correctly they are approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Injectables: The most commonly used hormonal injectable is the depo shot. The depo shot is given once every three months and if taken on time is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Hormone Releasing IUD’s: The most commonly used hormone releasing IUD is the Mirena IUD. The IUD once placed, can be left in place for up to five years. It also can be removed very easily at anytime upon the patient’s request. The Mirena IUD is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The

Vaginal Ring: The vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina (around the cervix) at the beginning of each month. It is then left in place for three weeks. The fourth week of the month no vaginal ring is placed. The ring can also be removed prior to sexual intercourse, but it should be promptly replaced once sexual intercourse has been completed. The ring slowly releases hormones into the body through the vagina that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). When used properly the vaginal ring is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Condoms: Male condoms come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. A new condom must be used each time before intercourse and it should be applied to the penis when the penis is erect. When used appropriately the male condom is approximately 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. Male condoms are also the only contraceptive devices that can protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Female condoms come in only one size and a new one must be used each time before sexual intercourse. The female condom can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. When used appropriately the female condom is approximately 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. The female condom when placed properly also has a protective effect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Non-Hormonal IUD’s: The most commonly used non-hormonal IUD is the “Copper T” IUD. The Copper T when placed can be left in place for up to 10 years. It can also be removed at anytime before that upon the request of the patient. The Copper T IUD is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Spermicides: There are a variety of spermicides available in the forms of foams, jellies, creams and vaginal suppositories. Spermicides have to be placed intravaginally each time before sexual intercourse and when used effectively are approximately 94% effective in preventing pregnancy. The efficacy of intravaginal spermicides increases when they are used in association with condoms.

Cervical caps and diaphragms: Cervical caps and diaphragms when used appropriately are approximately 84% to 94% effective against preventing pregnancy. Both are available in a variety of sizes and both must be placed with a spermicide before sexual intercourse. The cervical cap when placed provides continual protection for 48 hours while the diaphragm can be placed up to 8 hours prior to sexual intercourse. The cervical cap is mildly more effective in women who have not previously had children.