Combined hormonal contraception | |
---|---|
| |
Background | |
Type | Hormonal |
First use |
|
Failure rates (first year) | |
Perfect use | 0.3[1]% |
Typical use | 9[1]% |
Usage | |
Reversibility | on discontinuation |
User reminders | ? |
Advantages and disadvantages | |
STI protection | No |
Periods | Typically regular and lighter |
Weight | No evidence of weight gain[1] |
Combined hormonal contraception (CHC), or combined birth control, is a form of hormonal contraception which combines both an estrogen and a progestogen in varying formulations.[1][2]
The different types available include the pill, the patch and the vaginal ring, which are all widely available,[3] and an injection, which is available in only some countries.[4] They work by mainly suppressing luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and in turn preventing ovulation.[1]
The pill, patch, and vaginal ring are all about 93% effective with typical use.[5] Beneficial health effects include reduced risks of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers. CHC can also provide improved control of some menstrual problems. Adverse effects include a small but higher risk of venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, breast cancer and cervical cancer.[4][6]