Examples

Oral contraception

Implant

Shot

For information on combination birth control pills, see Birth control pills, patch, or ring.

How It Works

Progestin-only birth control methods, including pills (called "mini-pills"), implants, and shots, prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), thicken mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot enter the uterus, and in rare cases, prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

Birth control mini-pills

Progestin-only mini-pills come in a monthly pack. To be effective, the pills must be taken at the same time each day. If you take a pill more than 3 hours late:

• Take it as soon as you remember even if that means you will take 2 pills in one day. Use another method of birth control for the next 48 hours to prevent pregnancy.¹
• Consider using emergency contraception if you have had sex in the past 3 to 5 days.

Implant

The progestin-only implant (such as Implanon) releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for 3 years. The actual implant is a thin rod about the size of a matchstick. This is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.

• The implant is a highly effective method of birth control.
• The implant must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional.

Shots

The birth control shot, such as Depo-Provera, is effective for 12 to 13 weeks.

Why It Is Used

Progestin-only mini-pills, implants, and shots are good choices for women who:

• Are breast-feeding. The mini-pill is a good choice for breast-feeding mothers. It is very low-dose and does not affect the milk supply. Breast-feeding further reduces the chance of pregnancy.
• Need short- or long-term birth control that can be stopped at any time. (But it may take from 12 weeks to 18 months to become pregnant after stopping the birth control shot.)
• Prefer a form of birth control that does not interfere with sexual spontaneity.
• Cannot take estrogen, including those who smoke and are older than 35; have long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes; have heart disease; have problems with blood clots; or have high blood pressure.
• Have migraine headaches with auras, or women whose migraines get worse when taking the estrogen in combination birth control pills.
• Have heavy, painful menstrual periods. Progestin reduces heavy bleeding and cramping.
• Have anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Have sickle cell disease. Women with sickle cell disease may have fewer problems from their disease when using the birth control shot.