Birth control, also known as contraception, encompasses methods, devices, and medications used to prevent pregnancy. The options range widely in terms of form, effectiveness, and duration of action. Common types include:
1. Barrier methods: These physically block sperm from reaching the egg, including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
2. Hormonal methods: These regulate or stop ovulation and include birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, and hormonal IUDs.
3. Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Placed inside the uterus, IUDs come in two types: copper IUDs (non-hormonal) and hormonal IUDs.
Commonly Prescribed Medications:
- Norgestimate 0.25 mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg (Sprintec)
- Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (Lessina)
- Norgestimate 0.18mg, 0.215mg, 0.25mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg (Tri-Estarylla)
- Norgestimate 0.18 mg, 0.215 mg, 0.25 mg | ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (Tri-Lo-Sprintec)
- Levonorgestrel 0.1mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.02mg (Vienva)
- Norethindrone acetate 1mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg (Junel FE 1/20)
- Norethindrone acetate 1.5 mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg (Junel FE 1.5/30)
- Norethindrone 0.35 mg (Errin)
- Levonorgestrel 0.1 mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (Levora-28)
- Drospirenone 3 mg | Ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (Nikki (28))
- Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring (Nuvaring)
- Levonorgestrel (Plan B)
- Ulipristal (Ella)