Hormonal Methods of Birth Control
Depo-Provera   
This is an injection or "shot" of hormone (progesterone) that is administered by a doctor either in the upper arm or the buttocks. A woman gets the injection every three months (12 weeks) to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera works by preventing a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month.  If a woman does not release an egg she cannot get pregnant.   Depo-Provera does not contain estrogen, which means that there are no estrogen related side effects.  Depo-Provera is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, however it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 
Advantages
Women only need to get an injection four times a year
·        If administrated within the first five days of a
         woman’s period, Depo-Provera is effective immediately
·        Depo-Provera can be used by women who smoke,
         are over 35 years of age or are breastfeeding
Disadvantages
·        The majority of women using Depo-Provera will
         experience irregular periods (extra bleeding, spotting or missed periods)
·        Some women may experience other side effects, which
         may include weight gain, mood changes and headaches
·        Once it is in a woman’s body, she cannot stop any side effects
         that she may experience.  A woman will have to wait until the
         12   weeks are over for the hormone to leave her system
   
           Depo-Provera

The Birth Control Pill
"The Pill” is a form of birth control that a woman takes daily to prevent pregnancy.  The combination pill contains two hormones (progesterone and estrogen) that are similar to a woman’s natural hormones.  Another type of pill (called the minipill) contains progesterone only.  The pill works by preventing a woman from ovulating or releasing an egg each month.  A woman must get a prescription for the birth control pill from her doctor.  If the pill is taken every day, at about the same time each day, it is 98% effective.  The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        The pill can make a woman’s period more regular and can help
          reduce heavy bleeding and cramps
·        Nothing needs to be done immediately before intercourse to protect
         against pregnancy

Disadvantages
·        Women need to remember to take the pill every day
·        Women may experience side effects such as spotting,
         nausea, tender breasts, moodiness, headaches and weight gain
·        Antibiotics and some other medications may interfere with
         the pills’effectiveness  

         Birth Control Pill

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (the "morning after" pill)
This is not a regular birth control method. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the birth control method used did not work (e.g. the condom broke). This method of birth control must be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.  The emergency contraceptive pill works in one of three ways depending on where a woman is in her cycle.  The hormones in this pill can either stop a woman’s body from releasing an egg, prevent fertilization of the egg or stop a fertilized egg (an egg that has joined with a sperm) from attaching to the wall of the uterus.  ECP is not an abortion pill.  Once a pregnancy has occurred and the egg has implanted itself to the wall of the uterus, ECP will not stop or harm that pregnancy.    ECP is 75% to 95% effective.  The earlier a woman can start taking ECP the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy.  ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        Can be used after intercourse
·        Does not affect future fertility
·        Easy to use  
·        In Alberta, ECP is now available without a prescription from a
         doctor, which means that women that women can access ECP
         directly form a pharmacist

Disadvantages
·        Depending on where a woman lives, she may need a prescription
         for ECP.  This may make it difficult to access the pills within
         72 hours
·        Some doctors may not prescribe ECP (we recommend that
         women  phone ahead to ensure that they will be able to access
         this birth control method)
·        The most common side effect of ECP is nausea  

The Patch (Ortho Evra)  
Ortho Evra is a thin plastic patch (like a band-aid) that can be placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm or upper torso.  The patch is changed each week for a schedule of 3 weeks on and 1 week off.  This method of birth control works by slowly releasing a combination of hormones (estrogen and progestin) through the skin.  These hormones prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucous, creating a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.  Although no studies have yet been published, it is assumed that the patch will be as effective as the pill.  The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        Easy to use
·        Do not need to take a pill each day
·        More regular, shorter periods
Disadvantages
·        Skin reaction at the site of application is possible
·        May not be as effective for women who weigh over 198 pounds
·        May have similar side effects as the pill
        (such as nausea, moodiness, headaches or weight gain/loss) 
        Ortho Evra

The Ring (NuvaRing)
NuvaRing is a flexible ring that is about two inches in diameter. Once a month, the ring is inserted into the upper part of the vagina where it slowly releases a combination of hormones similar to the birth control pill (progestin and estrogen). These hormones inhibit the monthly release of an egg (ovulation) by the ovaries and change the mucous produced by the cervix, slowing or preventing the movement of sperm. Once the NuvaRing has been inserted into the vagina, it will remain there for three weeks. After the three weeks, the ring is removed for one week to allow for menstruation. As soon as this week is over, a new ring is inserted. NuvaRing is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

Advantages
·        Do not need to take a pill everyday
·        More regular, shorter periods
·        Low dose of hormones
·        Very discreet

Disadvantages  
·        May have similar side effects as the birth control pill
         (nausea, headaches, breast tenderness)
·        Some women may be uncomfortable inserting and removing the ring

         NuvaRing

We have free male condoms available. 

All of the counselling services at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre are free and confidential.

Contact us at:
Phone: (403) 283-5580 Fax: (403) 270-3209
E-mail at generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
We are located at
304, 301-14th. Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A1
Canada

Hours of operation are:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
New drop in hours starting September 28, 2009
Monday all day from 9am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 1pm
Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 5pm