Shorter-Acting Birth Control

Data derived from Bedsider.

Shorter-acting birth control options must be maintained on a more regular basis, from daily to tri-monthly.

The birth control patch (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) must be applied weekly. Options include Xulane (Mylan), Zafemy (Amneal Pharmaceuticals) and Twirla (Agile Therapeutics).

Oral contraception, also known as the pill, must be taken daily and is offered either as a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin-only. There are numerous options currently on the market.

The NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, Merck) is effective for 1 month and a new ring is required monthly.

Finally, Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate, Pfizer) is a contraceptive injection and must be administered every 3 months.

References:

• Bedsider. Birth control patch. https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control/sponge. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Bedsider. Birth control pill. https://www.bedsider.org/methods/the_pill. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Bedsider. Birth control ring. https://www.bedsider.org/methods/the_ring. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Bedsider. Birth control shot. https://www.bedsider.org/methods/the_shot. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

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