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HORMONAL METHODS
There are four types of hormonal methods of birth control that are available in Canada today.
They are:
Hormonal contraceptives work by the addition of hormones into the body, preventing the release of a mature egg into the Fallopian tubes. The effectiveness of hormonal methods is 97% or greater.
Advantages
- Hormonal methods of birth control offer the best ratio of effectiveness as a sole method.
- Some hormonal methods are effective immediately upon introduction into the body.
- Spermicidals must be inserted from five to fifteen minutes prior to intercourse and this may cause a problem with couples that practice spontaneous intercourse.
- Periods regulate, and with the implanted hormone method, some women stop having monthly periods (which return upon removal of the implants).
- Added hormones may lower your chances of developing cancer of the uterus. Your partner does not have to be involved with your birth control methods.
- Freedom of spontaneous intercourse is possible.
- Some oral birth control methods have also been known to be effective in preventing acne, which can be an important factor for some women concerned about both preventing pregnancy and having a clear complexion.
Disadvantages
- Hormonal methods are available only on the advice of a physician.
- No additional hormones are introduced into the body.
- Some women experience nausea, bloating, headaches and breast tenderness between periods.
- Weight gain is not uncommon.
- Serious side effects can occur in some women who use oral contraceptives, including heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and liver tumours.
- Danger signs may include severe headaches, blackouts, and loss of vision, shortness of breath, calf pain or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately
- Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If the current hormonal birth control you are using has side effects with which you are uncomfortable, your physician may be able to help by simply switching the brand you are using, and so an open relationship with your doctor is a must.
Oral Contraceptive (The Pill)
The birth control pill is a pill that contains estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only (mini-pill). These hormones occur naturally in the female body, but the levels provided by the pill prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of a mature egg. The pill must be taken daily, and in some cases at the same time each day. The pill will increase the viscosity (thickness) of your cervical mucus, and thick mucus inhibits sperm from traveling into the cervix. The pill will also make the lining of the uterine walls thin, making it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The pill comes in packets of 21 days or 28 days. With the 21-day packet, a daily pill is taken for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no pill taking. A menstrual period usually starts on one of the 7 "no pill" days. With the 28-day packet, a pill is taken daily for 28 days. 21 of the 28-day pills will contain hormones. The remaining 7 pills are referred to as "sugar pills" and do not contain any hormones. Usually, a menstrual period will start on one of the "sugar" pill days. Once the pill is discontinued, pregnancy can be achieved as soon as possible, but may take up to 6 months.
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Quarterly Injection Contraceptives
An injection of a medication called Depo-Provera once every three months provides an effective birth control method for women who cannot take oral contraceptives. Women who have sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, severe migraine headaches, blood clots, diabetes, women who are older than 35, and who are smokers, as well as women who are on medication (like Dilantin) that may interfere with birth control pills, can usually take Depo-Provera. It works by introducing progesterone into the body, which inhibits the development of a mature egg. Pregnancy must first be ruled out, prior to the first injection. Depo-Provera is usually started within 5 days following a period, or within 5 days following an abortion, or within 5 days of delivering a baby. Women on Depo-Provera may have unpredictable periods with decreased or increased flow. Some women do not have periods while taking the injections. Once the injections are discontinued, pregnancy may be achieved within 9 months.
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Implanted Contraceptives
Norplant consists of 6 small, flexible rods containing a synthetic hormone; they are implanted under the skin, using a local anaesthetic. These rods release small amounts of hormone from the time implanted, and depending upon when implanted, can be effective 24 hours following insertion. The implanted rods can be effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. The rods prevent the development and release of a mature egg. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect. Weight gain, headaches, nausea and dizziness may also occur. Women who suffer from depression may not be good candidates for implants.
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Emergency Contraceptives
When condoms break, or diaphragms slip, or there is a miscalculation of the "safe" time for intercourse, or spontaneous intercourse in a passionate moment without use of contraception takes place, pregnancy may result. If there is a possibility of conception, an emergency contraceptive kit called Preven may be prescribed by your doctor.  Preven works by inhibiting or delaying ovulation with hormones. It may alter transportation of sperm and/or ova, as well as altering the lining of the uterine wall, making it difficult for a fertilized ovum to implant. Prior to taking emergency contraceptives, a pregnancy test must be done to ensure that pregnancy has not occurred from intercourse that took place earlier in the month, or in prior months. The first dosage of hormones must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. The second dosage of hormones is taken 12 hours later. Products like Preven are sometimes called the "Morning After" pill. Nausea and vomiting may occur. If vomiting occurs within one hour following the initial dose, contact your doctor. An additional dose may be prescribed.
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