Birth control pills, skin patches, and vaginal rings contain estrogen and progestin. They prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries, and they thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
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Hormone pills come in packs, with each pack containing 3 weeks of hormone pills. During the fourth week, when you do not receive hormones, you have a menstrual period. (One type of birth control pill is sold in 84-day packs, for fewer periods per year.)
The hormone patch releases estrogen and progestin through your skin for 7 days. Over a 4-week period, you use 1 patch per week for 3 weeks, then no patch for 1 week. During this week, you have a menstrual period. You can wear it on your lower abdomen, upper torso (not breasts), buttocks, or upper arm.
The hormone vaginal ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. This gives you continuous birth control for the month. On the first day of the fourth week, you remove the ring. You then have a menstrual period. The exact position of the ring in the vagina is not critical for the ring to work. The ring is not a barrier contraceptive and therefore cannot be incorrectly inserted.
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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