Hormonal birth control methods come in a variety of forms. People thinking about contraceptive methods, who have decided hormonal birth control is right for them can consider what method they are most likely to follow consistently.

Generally hormonal birth control is divided into two categories; combination (made up of estrogen and progestin) and progestin only. Combination forms are more common as they allow more room for slight differences in administration schedule (when you get / take the medication). On the other hand, something like taking a progestin only pill even 30 minutes late can impact its effectiveness. Both of these hormones work by preventing release of an egg, and they also thicken the mucus of the cervix, making it harder for sperm to swim up it.

Different bodies have vastly different side effects when taking these hormonal contraceptives. When taken regularly it is a highly effective method for stopping pregnancy however, for some people the side effects aren’t worth it. Some people experience clearer skin, more stable moods, and less painful periods, while some experience month long bleeding, cramping, and depression. The range of symptoms folks experience differs in everyone, and it is up to the person taking these hormones to determine how long they want to be on it, and how many types they want to try out.

Birth control can sometimes be represented as a one size fits all solution to many reproductive and menstrual issues. In many situations, hormonal birth control can be a really positive thing, but it can also be a traumatic experience for some people. While it takes around three months to truly know how your body will react on hormonal birth controls it is important to listen to yourself, advocate for your needs, and not take something longer than you feel okay taking it, especially in situations where you are feeling suicidal.

Common side effects of hormonal birth control include fatigue, stabilization or destabilization of mood, feelings of sadness or low mood, changes in acne or skin oiliness, changes in weight or fat distribution, headaches, and spotty/excessive bleeding. It is also not uncommon for folks taking hormonal birth control to stop bleeding all together, this is not a sign that there is anything wrong with your reproductive system or that you won’t be able to get pregnant in the future.

We recommend honest conversations with your doctor about your worries, hopes, medical history, and preferred methods of hormonal birth control when deciding if it is right for you. In Nova Scotia, pharmacists are now able to prescribe many forms of birth control. So if you don’t have access to a family doctor or sexual health clinic call your local pharmacy and see if this is a service they offer. Check out the categories below to learn more about the different ways hormonal birth control can be administered.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: UpToDate, Healthline, NCBI
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references

Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon)
This form of birth control is highly effective (around 99%) at preventing pregnancy. Nexplanon is a tiny (matchstick sized) rod that gets inserted into your arm. It releases progestin slowly, a hormone that stops the release of an egg from your ovary and thickens the mucus in the cervix. These devices can stay in your body for 3-5 years. Nexplanon is great not only because it requires so little work, but also because if you decide to get pregnant while on it, you can have it removed and its effects generally stop within a week.

The main disadvantages of this contraception strategy is its upfront cost (over $350 in Nova Scotia) and that it can be difficult to find a clinic that will offer it. If Nexplanon seems like the contraceptive method for you, talk to your doctor or use the Sugar Health Directory to find a sexual health clinic near you.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: PlannedParenthood, HSHC
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references

Contraceptive Shot (Depo Provera)

Similarly to the implant the contraceptive shot only uses the hormone progestin, and is 99% effective when taken consistently and correctly. This shot is given at a pharmacy or by a doctor every 3 months and is injected into a part of the body with more fat and muscle (generally the hip or arm). This form of contraception can have longer impacts on your fertility, and some folks have reported being unable to get pregnant up to 18 months after stopping the Depo Provera shots.

In Nova Scotia Depo Provera is covered by MSI and by many private insurance plans, making it a more financially accessible option than the implant.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: HSHC, PlannedParenthood
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing or Annovera)
This form of hormonal birth control utilises the hormones estrogen and progestin. The vaginal rings are a small plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina (most commonly by the person using it). It releases a small dose of hormones that (when used properly) prevent pregnancy 99.7% of the time. The NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that is replaced monthly, and Annovera is a vaginal ring that is replaced yearly.

Many folks report not feeling the ring during sex, and those that do generally do not report it being a negative or uncomfortable sensation. This vaginal ring shouldn’t be uncomfortable or felt during daily activities – if it is, consider talking to your doctor to ensure you are wearing it correctly, or exploring other forms of birth control if it is just not right for your body.

One of the advantages of vaginal rings is that they use a lower dose than other forms of hormonal birth control, which means that, for many people, the side effects are not as strong. It is also great in that, unlike the pill, you don’t need to remember daily to take something. That being said, the vaginal ring is a more expensive method as it can cost up to around $200 a month for the NuvaRing and up to $2,200 for Annovera.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: Cleveland Clinic, HSHC
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references

Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is a small patch placed on your arm, upper back, abdomen, torso, or butt. It is kept on for 7 days before replaced with a new patch, and releases both estrogen and progestin. It is worn for three weeks, and then period-like bleeding occurs during the week it is not worn.

In Nova Scotia it can cost up to 150 a month depending on if you have private insurance.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: HSHC, Planned Parenthood
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references

Oral Contraceptive Pills
Finally, the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP, commonly known as ‘the pill’ or ‘birth control’) is the most commonly known and used form of hormonal birth control – likely in part because of its cost and accessibility.

OCPs can come as either combination or progestin only pills. Combination pills are generally recommended first, as they stay fairly stable in their effectiveness if you take them late some days. That being said, if your body does not respond well to these, you may want to try the progestin only pill, as many folks react differently. Just be very careful to take it at the same time every day.

Different brands use different doses of estrogen and progestin. Not enough research has been done for doctors to accurately predict how you may react to different dosages, and so it can take some trial and error to find the right brand for you. Generally, symptoms will stop within 3 months of starting the pill, so if you are past three months and still experiencing undesirable symptoms consider talking to your doctor about other brands out there.

Generally OCPs are taken for three weeks and then stopped taking pills, or sugar pills are taken, for a week before beginning the cycle again. During the week off folks often bleed and experience mild menstruation symptoms. Most pill packets are designed this way, due to misconceptions around the safety of ‘not having a period’. In reality, the week of bleeding is not actually a period, it is your body going through withdrawal of the hormones. Because hormonal birth control prevents the menstrual cycle from happening, the changes to the uterus that require its lining to be shed also don’t happen. Unfortunately, the misconception that folks need to ‘see that everything is still working’ by bleeding once a month has led to unnecessary pain and discomfort. Another common concern was that continuous use led to irregular bleeding, however studies have shown that this is largely untrue. In fact, one recent study states that continuous use gradually decreased non-cyclical bleeding while on the OCP.

The majority of people return to their previous level of fertility within 90 days of stopping OCPs. That being said, as soon as you stop taking them your chance of getting pregnant will increase.

The cost of OCPs in Nova Scotia is approximately $30 a month, also this can vary slightly depending on the brand /type you use, and if you choose to skip breaks or take the pills continuously. Some private insurances cover this cost, so if you have insurance that may be worth exploring.

You can learn more about where we got this information from at: HSHC, PlannedParenthood, OCP
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references