To choose a birth control method, healthcare providers recommend that you research your options and consider what's most important to you. For example, some women might value a type of contraception that's easy to remember, while others might be more interested in additional benefits, like regular periods or help clearing up hormonal acne.
Here's more information about the types of birth control prescribed through Amazon One Medical:
Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, are the most common form of reversible contraception in the U.S. You take birth control pills every day, ideally at the same time. These pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy when taken as directed.
There are 2 main types of hormonal birth control pills:
• Combination pills. These birth control pills contain a progestin hormone and an estrogen hormone (usually ethinyl estradiol). The estrogen can help produce a regular menstrual bleeding pattern. Commonly prescribed combination pills include Sprintec, Junel, Loestrin, and Yasmin.
• Progestin-only pills, also known as minipills. These birth control pills contain only a progestin hormone (norethindrone or drospirenone). Commonly prescribed progestin-only pills include Camila, Errin, Heather, and Micronor. As of 2024, a progestin-only birth control pill (Opill) is also available over the counter (without a prescription) at many pharmacies.
Most hormonal birth control pills are prescribed monthly, but some extended cycle pills like Seasonale are designed for continuous dosing.
Birth control patches are hormonal patches that you wear on your skin (usually on the arm or lower abdomen) and change once a week. These transdermal patches contain both estrogen and progestin hormones. Birth control patches aren't as effective at preventing pregnancy if your BMI is 30 or higher. Common prescriptions include Xulane, Ortho-Evra, and Twirla.
Vaginal rings are placed in the vagina every 3 weeks. A vaginal ring releases combination hormones that prevent pregnancy when used as directed. Some vaginal rings (like Annovera) can be washed and reused for up to a year, while others (like NuvaRing and EluRyng) are replaced every month.
Birth control shots contain a progestin called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). You typically inject yourself in the arm or butt once every 3 months with prefilled syringes. This type of birth control can delay a return to fertility. Depo-Provera SQ is a common prescription.
