Understanding_Hormones_In_Contraception

UNDERSTANDING HORMONES IN CONTRACEPTION

Hormones to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancy

Hormones occur naturally in the body, and they affect us all in different ways. Some methods of contraception contain hormones, which can affect your menstrual cycle and stop your from becoming pregnant when you don't want to be. Whether they act in the short term or the long term, their desired effect is similar.

contraception that uses hormones

There are several methods of contraception that use hormones to prevent unintended pregnancy. Here's a short overview of how they work.

The hormonal coil also known as the IUS or Intrauterine system

This is placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse. The IUS releases a progestogen hormone locally. This hormone thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and it reduces the growth of the womb lining, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and develop.

The Contraceptive Implant

This small rod is placed beneath the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse, where it releases a progestogen hormone into the blood stream. The hormone prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg, and it thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to move around.

The Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a progestogen hormone given by a doctor or nurse every 3 months. It releases the hormone into the blood stream where it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and thickening the cervical mucus.

The Pill

There are two different types of contraceptive pill. The combined pill contains a progestogen and oestrogen, whereas the progestogen-only pill contains only a progestogen. The different types of pill have different ways of working. The progestogen-only pill acts mainly to thin the womb lining and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from getting through. The combined pill additionally stops eggs from being released.

The Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring contains the hormones oestrogen and a progestogen. It sits inside your vagina and releases hormones that prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg each month

The Patch

The patch contains the hormones oestrogen and a progestogen. The patch can be placed on your skin, for example on your arm, and it releases a daily dose of hormones through your skin into the blood stream to prevent pregnancy.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

Learn more about methods of contraception that may suit you and your lifestyle here:

The Hormonal Coil

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

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The Copper Coil

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It is available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.

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The Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

View Method

The Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

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