Hormonal contraceptive methods have been proven to be very effective in preventing women from getting pregnant. The three hormonal contraceptive methods used by women are contraceptive pills, the patch and the ring. Of the three, initially, contraceptive pills had been the most popular form of contraception used by women. These are available in two different forms: combination pills and mini-pills. Combination pills consist of both the synthetic hormones progestogen and oestrogen as their active ingredients while mini-pills consist of progestogen only. You are required to take these pills on a daily basis. Although contraceptive pills have been very popular, the other two methods have also been gaining popularity at a fast pace.

The contraceptive patch is one of those hormonal contraceptive methods that is fast gaining in popularity. It is a small patch consisting of synthetic female hormones of oestrogen and progestogen. You are required to apply this patch either on your lower abdomen or your upper arm. Your body receives a continuous supply of the synthetic hormones which prevent you from getting pregnant. The most popularly used contraceptive patch by women is the Evra patch.

Another of the hormonal contraceptive methods is the contraceptive ring. It is available in the form of a small, thin, flexible and light ring. You are required to place this ring inside your vaginal walls, where it provides your body with a continuous supply of synthetic hormones. The ring consists of progestogen and oestrogen as its active ingredients. You are required to wear the ring for three weeks of your menstrual cycle and take a break for the next seven days. One of the most popular contraceptive rings used by women is the NuvaRing.