5. Hormonal Contraceptives

Forms:

  • Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs)
  • Transdermal patch
  • Vaginal ring

Mechanism:

  • Inhibit ovulation
  • Thicken cervical mucus
  • Thin endometrium

Benefits:

  • Regulate cycles
  • Reduce dysmenorrhea, acne, endometriosis symptoms

Risks:

  • Increased risk of hypertension, thrombosis (especially smokers >35 years)

5.2 Progestin-Only Methods

Forms:

  • Progestin-only pills (POPs)
  • Injectables (e.g., Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate)
  • Implants

Mechanism:

  • Thickens cervical mucus
  • Inhibits ovulation (variable with POPs)

Common effects:

  • Irregular bleeding
  • Amenorrhea (especially with injectables)

5.3 Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

  • Implants: 3–5 years protection
  • Hormonal IUDs (levonorgestrel): 3–7 years
  • Highly effective, low maintenance