Ethinyl Estradiol combinations
Ethinyl Estradiol combinations
Ethinyl Estradiol is a hormone that is usually combined with another hormone to prevent conception. These combinations include the pill, patch, and the vaginal ring. Each combination has its own risks and side effects.
EthinylEstradiol
Ethinyl Estradiol was the first orally active synthetic estrogen released to be used to prevent pregnancy. Ethinyl Estradiol works by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent the egg and sperm from coming together. Some combinations of Ethinyl Estradiol can even stop the ovary from producing the egg in the first place.
The Pill
The most common combination of Ethinyl Estradiol comes in the form of a pill. The Ethinyl Estradiol combines with another female hormone such as Desogestrel or Norethindrone to make a very effective birth control pill. These combinations can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, or for hormone replacement therapy in post menopausal women.
Taking a contraceptive orally will take about two hours to fully work, during the first week of taking the pill you will need to use another type of contraceptive such as a spermicide or condom because the pill may not be fully working for the first week. The pill should be taken every day at the same time each day, some health care professionals recommend that you take it after your evening meal or before bed to minimize stomach problems and so that you can remember easier.
The Patch
The Ethinyl Estradiol patch looks like a square band-aid and is similar in shape and size as the nicotine patch. The patch is applied to the abdomen, upper arm, upper torso, or the buttocks. The patch should be changed every week for three weeks on and one week off. The patch works by releasing a combination of Ethinyl Estradiol and progestin hormones into the skin slowly. The hormones will prevent the ovary from releasing any eggs and will thicken the cervical mucus so that if in the off chance that an egg is produced, it will never meet the sperm. The patch is said to be 99% effective except in women weighing 198 pounds or more in which it will only be 92% effective.
Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring is the newest form of contraception and is said by some to be the easiest because you do not have to remember to take it every day. The vaginal ring is placed inside the vagina and over a period of three weeks it will release hormones such as Ethinyl Estradiol into the body that will thicken cervical mucus and prevent ovulation. You don’t have to have a doctor place the ring; you do it yourself, the position of the ring is not crucial for its use, as long as the ring feels comfortable and in the right position, it will release the hormones necessary to prevent pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives, patches, and vaginal rings will not prevent you from getting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor as well as any medications you may be taking before you start a birth control regime.