Birth control is one of the most widely used drugs among women. Each kind affects a person differently.

The pill was the first form of effective birth control for women. When used as directed, the pill is 97 percent to 99.9 percent effective. As the pill was perfected over time, it not only has become totally safe, but it has been found to help prevent certain diseases, such as ovarian and uterine cancer.

The Daily Pill

The daily pill is a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone. There are more than 25 brands from which women can choose. The daily pill is often prescribed for women who have heavy periods or intense cramps because it relieves these symptoms. The pill is also prescribed for women with irregular periods because it automatically regulates them. Some forms also clear up acne.

It is also important that women who take the daily pill be able to remember to take a pill daily. Women taking the pill take active pills for three weeks and then take a placebo pill for one week. Sometimes, women may choose to skip the placebo pills.

This is not unhealthy. In fact some studies have shown that it is healthier for women to have their periods less frequently. Smokers, especially those over the age of 35, should not take the daily pill, neither should women who have had certain types of cancer, heart disease, or hypertension.

The Continuous Pill

Right now the only continuous pill on the market is Seasonale. This is also a combination of estrogen and progesterone, but the pills are set up so that a woman’s menstrual cycle only takes place four times a year. This pill is especially helpful for women who have painful symptoms associated with their period or who are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia.

When taking Seasonale, women take an active pill every day for 12 weeks and then they take reminder pills for one week. The pros are the same as the benefits of the daily pill.

Mini-Pill

There are about 10 brands of the mini-pill, which only contains progesterone. Women who can’t take estrogen because they have a history of blood clots, women who have had breast cancer, who have high blood pressure, or who are breast feeding often take the mini-pill. It is taken in the same manner as the daily pill. This pill can aggravate depression.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a combination of progesterone and estrogen: Women who have trouble remembering to take the pill sometimes try the vaginal ring. When using the vaginal ring, women insert it the way they would a diaphragm and leave it in for three weeks. They take it out on the fourth week when menstruation occurs.

The vaginal ring has a low dose of estrogen; and, therefore, side effects such as moodiness, headaches, and breast tenderness are sometimes reduced. It also brings a higher risk of infection, though, and it loses effectiveness if it slips out and is not replaced within four hours.

Skin Patch

The patch contains progesterone and estrogen. It is also often used by women who can’t remember to take the pill every day or by women who experienced nausea while taking the pill. The patch is placed on skin and left there for three weeks. It is taken off for one week while menstruation occurs. The main down side of the patch is that if it falls off and is not replaced within 24 hours, it loses effectiveness.

Injection

The injection contains progesterone. Women who can’t take the estrogen in the ring, patch, or pill often try the injection. It is administered every three months and it stays in effect for the entire time. It also causes more severe side effects, though.