HEALTH SERVICES

Combination - pill, patch, and ring

What is it?
Combined hormone methods contain both synthetic estrogen and progestin. They are like the hormones made by a woman’s ovaries. Usually, these hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They can also thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from joining with an egg.

There are three types of combined hormone methods.

• The pill

• The patch — Ortho Evra

• The ring — NuvaRing

How effective is it?
99%

Upside

• Provide highly effective reversible contraception

• There is nothing to do right before sex to protect against pregnancy.

• More regular, shorter periods

• Less menstrual flow and cramping

• Less infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility if left untreated

• Fewer ectopic pregnancies (those in a fallopian tube)

• Fewer noncancerous breast growths

• Fewer ovarian cysts

• Reduced risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus and of the ovaries

• Less iron deficiency anemia that can result from heavy menses

• Less acne

• Fewer premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression

• Protection against osteoporosis

Downside

• Side effects may include irregular bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, nausea (rarely, vomiting), and changes in mood.

• Rare but serious health risks include blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and liver tumors — the chance of developing some of these problems increases with age.

• Smoking and using the pill, the patch, or the ring can be deadly.