Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal Contraceptives contain progestin (progesterone medicine) with or without estrogen. When used, it influences people’s hormone levels, and most of them prevent mature eggs from being released by the ovaries (ovulation).

There are several forms of hormonal contraception, including the birth control pill, the vaginal ring, the contraceptive skin patch, and hormone-releasing contraceptive coils (IUDs). 

• They are reliable when used properly.

• Options are affordable and widely available.

• Some options offer months or years of protection with minimal upkeep.

• Some people experience relief from period pain.

• Often leads to lighter periods.

The biggest advantage of hormonal contraceptives is their reliability. In recent studies only about 0.1% of  people get pregnant per cycle if they take the pill or use a contraceptive skin patch or vaginal ring properly.  For birth control pills, its effectiveness is 98% to 99% for users who take the pills every day as directed. It can also relieve period pain, and often lead to lighter periods.

• Several have daily, weekly, or monthly responsibilities. Forgetting to refill prescriptions, missing a pill, or misplacing the device will alter the effectiveness.

• Some people experience side effects, such as headaches, nausea, spotting.

• Hormonal birth control does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You must use a barrier protection method like condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

• The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced by medication such as antibiotics, blood-pressure-lowering or cholesterol-lowering drugs, antifungal drugs.

• Risk for more serious health concerns in rare cases, learn more here. 

If you need contraceptives, call Student Health Services during open hours to book an appointment for a consultation with a nurse practitioner. 

RISD’s health service provides the following at little to no cost:

• birth control pills

• patches

• vaginal rings 

For an IUD or Nexplanon implant, you can call Student Health Services for a referral to a local gynecologist or Planned Parenthood. Costs associated with these appointments and implants are covered by RISD’s United Health insurance plan. 

• Planned Parenthood

• Power to Decide 

• Pharmacist Prescribing of Hormonal Contraceptives

• Bedsider