Contraception refers to one or more precautionary steps taken by one or both partners before and during intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Options like IUDs, pills, and other reversible options work well to prevent pregnancy. Surgery is also an option for those who are looking for permanent contraception while hormonal contraceptives are used to prevent conception temporarily. This article discusses effective methods of birth control via hormonal contraceptives.

Hormonal methods of contraception
Hormones present in contraceptives suppress ovulation as well as prevent eggs from attaching themselves to the uterus. The hormones cause the mucus in the cervix to become thick and sticky, and hence the sperm cannot reach the egg after intercourse, thereby reducing the chance of pregnancy. There are many types of contraceptives that use hormones.

1. Oral hormonal contraceptives
Commonly know as pills, oral contraceptives contain either progesterone or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. They reduce the frequency of the period for the duration of the pill cycle. However, women will become fertile once they stop the pill, and hence if they miss the pill for a day or more, the its efficacy reduces. In case they miss the dose, they should have backup contraception to avoid getting pregnant. There are various options available in the market. Choose one as per the advice of your doctor to avoid side effects like nausea, diarrhea, weight gain, etc.

2. Birth control patch
A contraceptive for women, these are 4 cm patches that contain estrogen and progesterone. They are placed on the upper arm, buttocks, or abdomen, and the hormones are slowly absorbed into the body and work like the hormones in the pills. A patch is changed every week for about three weeks, and once you stop, you will get your period. Its efficacy has been set at 91 to 99 percent. Apart from preventing pregnancy, it also improves acne, reduces cancer risk in the reproductive system, and has lesser side effects than the pill. However, one has to remember to change the patch every week for it to be effective.

3. Contraceptive ring
It is a flexible ring that contains the female hormones, and when inserted into the vagina, stars releasing them, blocking ovulation and fertilization just like the pills and patches. It will remain in the vagina for 21 days, and once you remove it, you will have your period for seven days. It can irritate the vagina and it is vital to learn to fix and remove it easily. If it is not fixed well, it could slip out.

4. Emergency contraceptive pills
In case one has had unprotected sex, it is crucial to take this immediately after intercourse to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.

All hormonal modes of contraceptives are equally potent. Pills, which are the most common hormonal method of birth control, are safe, but you have to remember to take them every day at the same time without fail. Patches, too, need to be replaced weekly. There are various levels of adjustments to made with each method of birth control but all of these are effective if used correctly.