Birth Control Options

Birth control options for women include:

• Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Barrier devices, such as condoms, diaphragm, and the cervical cap
• Fertility awareness methods
• Sterilization

Ortho Evra Warning

• The FDA has updated the label for the birth control skin patch Ortho Evra to include results of recent studies warning of increased risks for blood clots for women who use this product.
• Recent epidemiology studies have reported that women who use the birth control patch have a higher risk for developing venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins) than women who use birth control pills. Venous thromboembolism is a condition that can lead to pulmonary embolism, the blockage of an artery in the lungs.
• Ortho Evra is a combination hormonal product that contains the progesterone norelgestromin and the estrogen hormone estradiol. Compared to birth control pills, the patch exposes women to higher levels of estrogen, which increases the risk for blood clots. Women who are older than age 40 or who smoke cigarettes should discuss with their doctors whether the birth control patch is a safe choice.

Nonoxynol-9 Warning

• The FDA has ordered manufacturers of stand-alone contraceptive products containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 to include a warning that this chemical does not provide protection against sexually transmitted disease, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
• Contraceptive products that use nonoxynol-9 include gels, foams, films, and inserts that are used as the sole means of contraception.
• The FDA also warns that nonoxynol-9 can irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of contracting HIV from an infected partner.