FOR PREGNANCY PREVENTION∗

KNOW YOUR
BIRTH
CONTROL OPTIONS

Birth control is not one-size-fits-all. Different types of birth control work in different ways.

*If you are moderately obese, discuss with your healthcare provider whether Lo Loestrin Fe is appropriate for you.

*If you are moderately obese, discuss with your healthcare provider whether Lo Loestrin Fe is appropriate for you.

Birth control pills

The Pill

Some birth control pills contain 2 hormones—estrogen and progestin—while others only have 1 hormone (progestin). The hormone(s) in the pill work(s) by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs.

  • Effectiveness

    Most are about 99% effective (when used as directed)
    93% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    One pill every day (whether or not you have sex)

  • Prescription

    YES

>

Square plastic patch

Patch

Thin, square, plastic patch that you stick on your stomach, buttocks, or upper body. It releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) that keep the ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickens the cervical mucus so sperm can’t get through.

  • Effectiveness

    Most are about 99% effective (when used as directed)
    93% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Weekly—you stick a new patch on once per week for 3 weeks in a row, followed by a patch-free week

  • Prescription

    YES

>

diaphragm

Diaphragm

Shallow, dome-shaped, latex or silicone cup that you put inside the vagina to cover the cervix and keep sperm out of the uterus. Must be fitted by a healthcare provider for correct sizing.

  • Effectiveness

    84% effective (when used correctly and every time you have sex)
    83% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Used only when you have sex

  • Prescription

    YES

>

Spermicide tube

Spermicide/Jelly

Contains chemicals that slow sperm down so they can’t reach an egg. It can be used on its own, but better to pair it with another barrier method, like a condom, for STD prevention.

  • Effectiveness

    84% effective (when used correctly and every time you have sex)
    79% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Used only when you have sex (instructions will tell you how long before sex the spermicide should be used)

  • Prescription

    NO

>

Intrauterine device

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A T-shaped device that gets put in your uterus by your healthcare provider. There are 2 types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs (which release progestin). Both types may work by affecting the way sperm move to keep them from joining an egg. Hormonal IUDs also change the lining of the uterus.

  • Effectiveness

    About 99% effective (when used as directed)

  • Dosing

    Depending on the type, can stay in place for anywhere from 3 to 10 years after it’s inserted by a healthcare provider

  • Prescription

    YES

>

Male condom

Male Condom

Thin latex or non-latex covering that slips over the penis and keeps sperm from entering the vagina. Helps protect against STDs, too.

  • Effectiveness

    98% effective (when used correctly and every time you have sex)
    87% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Used only when you have sex

  • Prescription

    NO

>

Female condom

Female Condom

Works like a male condom, except that it’s worn on the inside of your vagina.

  • Effectiveness

    95% effective (when used correctly and every time you have sex)
    79% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Used only when you have sex

  • Prescription

    NO

>

Vaginal ring

Vaginal Ring

Small, flexible ring that’s inserted into the vagina. It releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) that keep the ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickens the cervical mucus so sperm can’t easily pass through.

  • Effectiveness

    More than 99% effective (when used as directed)
    93% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    Monthly. You keep it in place for 3 weeks, then remove it for 1 week—3 weeks in, 1 week out

  • Prescription

    YES

>

Syringe

Shot (Injection)

Shot that releases the hormone progestin into the body. The progestin in the shot works by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickens the cervical mucus so sperm can’t easily pass through it.

  • Effectiveness

    More than 99% effective (when used as directed)
    96% effective (when used incorrectly or inconsistently)

  • Dosing

    One shot approximately every 3 months (12 weeks) injected by a healthcare provider

  • Prescription

    YES

>

Estrogen is a key component in many hormonal birth control options.

TAKE THE ESTROGEN
POP QUIZ

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW

about everyone’s favorite
pregnancy prevention method:

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

You’ve heard about them. Your friends use them. You might have even tried ’em or use them yourself. But whatever your experience, here are some facts you might not know about those glorious little pills:

1

The pill

The FDA approved the Pill as an oral
contraceptive in 1960. That’s 6 decades
of empowering women!

2

heart

A national survey found that birth control pills are used by over 10 million women in the U.S.

3

Talk to your doctor

It's possible to stay on a birth control
pill for a number of years. However,
it's important to consult with your doctor
as birth control pills may not be
appropriate for patients with certain conditions.

4

Birth control pill pack 2

There are different types of birth control pills, and each can have a different formulation when it comes to the type and dose of estrogen or progestin. Good to have options!

5

wow

In 1993, The Economist named the birth control pill as one of the Seven Technological Wonders of the Modern World. Mic drop.

So it’s pretty evident that birth control pills have made a big difference in the world of women’s health. Want to learn more?

Talk to your doctor about Lo Loestrin® Fe, the birth control pill with the lowest daily dose of estrogen available.
WHY LO LOESTRIN FE?
HEAR FROM OTHERS
UNDERSTANDING
SIDE EFFECTS
MEET
LO LOESTRIN FE