Patch
Apply a new patch (a combo of estrogen and progestin) weekly. Go patch-free one week per month.
Pros: Noninvasive, lasts a week, water-resistant
Cons: May get rough or dirty at edges, irritate skin; not always discreet
Cost per month: $30 to $35
Ring
Inserted into the vagina, emitting low doses of hormones. Wear it three weeks, then remove for one.
Pros: Easy insertion–no precise placement necessary
Cons: May be hard to reach at removal; definitely not for the squeamish
Cost per month: $35 to $40
Injection
Given once a month at the doc’s office. Microcrystals containing hormones dissolve over 30 days.
Pros: Fast, convenient; out of your hands for a month
Cons: A needle! Possible irritation at injection site. Monthly doc visits.
Cost per month: $35
IUD
Made of plastic that releases progestin. Improvement over old IUD. Stays in up to five years.
Pros: Five years! Periods may eventually lighten.
Cons: Heavy bleeding in first months and ovarian cysts possible
Cost per month: $8 (if worn five years)
