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Medications for Birth Control (Contraception)

Contraception is the deliberate use of a medicine, device, or a technique to prevent pregnancy that has the potential to happen during sexual intercourse. Contraception may also be called birth control. A contraceptive is the name given to any medicine or device used for contraception.

What are Contraceptives Used For?

Contraceptives are mostly used for contraception (to help prevent women from becoming pregnant). However, sometimes hormonal contraceptives may also be prescribed to:

  • Help with acne control
  • Help regulate periods
  • Prevent ovulation and pregnancy in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
  • Reduce pain and cramping during menstruation
  • Reduce the symptoms of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Emergency contraceptives are contraceptives that are taken (or inserted if an IUD) within a few days after unprotected sex to help prevent implantation of a fertilized egg and possible resulting pregnancy.

Condoms are contraceptives that may be used to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, although protection is not 100%.

What are the Differences Between Contraceptives?

There are several differences between contraceptives. The main difference is that some contain hormones whereas others do not. Hormone-containing contraceptives have more side effects than nonhormonal contraceptives. Some combined hormonal contraceptives also contain supplements such as iron or folic acid.

The following are different types of contraceptives:

  • Combined oral contraceptives (COCs): These contain an estrogen and a progestin to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), thin the uterine lining, and thicken cervical mucus making it impenetrable to sperm
  • Progestin-only contraceptives (POPs): These contain just one hormone, progestin. Most work by thickening cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. POPs must be taken within the same three hours every day
  • Hormonal contraceptive patch:One patch is applied each week for every three weeks, then usually followed by a patch-free week
  • Hormonal contraceptive rings: One ring is inserted into the vagina and remains in place continuously for three weeks, then removed for a one week break before a new ring is inserted
  • Hormonal shot/injection: An injection is administered under the skin once every 3 months (12 to 14 weeks)
  • Intrauterine devices (IUD): Small, T-shaped device that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. Lasts 3 to 10 years depending on the type
  • Implantable rods: Small rod the size of a matchstick that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm. Lasts up to 3 years
  • Female condom: Must be used every time that sex occurs. Provides some protection against STIs
  • Male condom: Contain either latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene. Must be used every time that sex occurs. Provide some protection against STIs
  • Cervical cap/diaphragm with spermicide: A soft silicone cup that covers the cervix and is inserted before sex. May irritate, cause allergic reactions, and increase the risk of an abnormal Pap test
  • Sponge with spermicide: Soft polyurethane sponge that is inserted before sex and kept in place for six hours after sex
  • Spermicide alone: Must be used every time that sex occurs. Not very reliable. May irritate, cause allergic reactions, and increase the risk of STIs and UTIs.

Emergency hormonal contraception

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), sometimes called the ‘morning-after pill’ may be taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or after a sexual assault. Levonorgestrel ECPs work best if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; however, they are still moderately effective if used within five days of unprotected sex. The ulipristal ECP can be used within five days of unprotected sex.

Is Contraception Safe?

Some types of contraception may not be suitable for some people.

Hormonal contraceptives are not recommended in women with certain types of cancer, at higher risk of clotting or strokes, liver disease, severe headaches, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease. Nonhormonal methods of contraception are more suitable for these women. Women who are pregnant who still wish to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections should use barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms).

Serious side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain and an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
  • Leg pain or swelling
  • A severe headache
  • Severe stomach pain

Smoking increases the risk of serious heart side effects with COCs (includes the hormonal ring or patch). COCs should NOT be used in women aged over 35 years who smoke because they are at higher risk of serious side effects such as heart attack, blood clots, or stroke.

Certain medications and some supplements can make hormonal contraceptives less effective. Hormonal contraceptives do not offer any protection against STIs such as HIV or hepatitis. Male or female condoms should be used in combination with hormonal contraceptives if protection against STIs is needed.

What are Common Side Effects Associated With Contraception?

Hormonal contraceptives have been associated with several different side effects such as:

  • Acne
  • Appetite changes
  • Breast tenderness, enlargement or discharge
  • Changes to menstrual flow, bleeding or spotting between periods, painful or missed periods
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
  • Hair growth in unusual places
  • Mood changes
  • Nausea
  • Skin color changes (brown or black patches)
  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Vaginal burning, discharge, irritation, itching, redness, or swelling
  • Vomiting.

Nonhormonal contraceptives may be associated with irritation, itching, redness, or discomfort during sex.

See also: sub-topics

Drugs used for Birth Control

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Filter
Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
Mirena 6.5 1910 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Nexplanon 5.1 4806 reviews
Rx X N

Generic name: etonogestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Lo Loestrin Fe 5.6 1496 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, sex hormone combinations

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

NuvaRing 6.1 1188 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Sprintec 5.7 1053 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Depo-Provera 5.1 1008 reviews
Rx X N

Generic name: medroxyprogesterone systemic

Drug class: hormones/antineoplastics, contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Yaz 5.0 487 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

norethindrone 5.0 1119 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: norethindrone systemic

Brand names:  Camila, Errin, Heather, Norlyda, Jencycla, Lyza, Sharobel, Deblitane, Incassia, Tulana, Affodel, Emzahh, Lyleq, Nor-QD, Norlyroc …show all

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

levonorgestrel 6.5 5687 reviews
Rx/OTC X N X

Generic name: levonorgestrel systemic

Brand names:  Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta …show all

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Skyla 6.9 1532 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Tri-Sprintec 5.5 559 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Yasmin 4.3 341 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Junel Fe 1/20 4.4 824 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, sex hormone combinations

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

Aviane 6.3 486 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate 5.2 4315 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate systemic

Brand names:  Sprintec, Tri-Sprintec, Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, Previfem, Tri-Previfem, Femynor, Mili, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Lo-Marzia, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri Femynor, Nymyo, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Mili, Tri-Nymyo, Tri-VyLibra, VyLibra …show all

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Lutera 6.1 366 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel 5.2 4348 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel systemic

Brand names:  Aviane, Lutera, Seasonique, Levora, Seasonale, Camrese, Jolessa, Levlen, Orsythia, Trivora, Amethia, Portia, Sronyx, Vienva, Altavera, Amethyst, Ashlyna, Daysee, Kurvelo, Lessina, Marlissa, Falmina, Introvale, Larissia, Levonest, Aubra, CamreseLo, Chateal, Enpresse, LoSeasonique, Afirmelle, Amethia Lo, Aubra EQ, Ayuna, Balcoltra, Chateal EQ, Dolishale, Fayosim, Iclevia, Jaimiess, Lillow, Lo Simpesse, Myzilra, Quartette, Setlakin, Simpesse, Twirla …show all

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Kyleena 6.5 1591 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

depo-subQ provera 104 4.5 16 reviews
Rx X N

Generic name: medroxyprogesterone systemic

Drug class: hormones/antineoplastics, contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

medroxyprogesterone 5.1 1045 reviews
Rx X N

Generic name: medroxyprogesterone systemic

Brand names:  Depo-Provera, depo-subQ provera 104, Provera

Drug class: hormones/antineoplastics, contraceptives, progestins

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Microgestin Fe 1/20 5.6 550 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone systemic

Drug class: contraceptives, sex hormone combinations

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Apri 5.4 444 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Seasonique 5.6 250 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Cryselle 5.1 192 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel systemic

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol 4.9 1630 reviews
Rx X N X

Generic name: drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol systemic

Brand names:  Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Loryna, Gianvi, Syeda, Zarah, Nikki, Jasmiel, Lo-Zumandimine, Zumandimine …show all

Drug class: contraceptives

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Topics under Birth Control

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

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