While making a decision about whether to pursue permanent birth control, it is important to know all of your options, including remaining on temporary birth control.  Birth control pills, IUDs, and the patch are examples of temporary methods of birth control. Many forms of birth control release hormones. Unlike temporary methods of birth control, the Essure procedure does not contain hormones and is intended for women who do not want children in the future.  The chart below provides information on the most well-known temporary methods of contraception.

Oral contraceptives – combined pill	A pill that suppresses ovulation by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin.	1–2%	Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight. Rare: cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.	Must be taken daily regardless of frequency of intercourse.
Oral contraceptives – progestin-only (minipill)	A pill containing only the hormone progestin that reduces and thickens cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.	2%	Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, less protection against ectopic pregnancy.	Must be taken daily regardless of frequency of intercourse.
Injection (Depo-Provera)	An injectable progestin that inhibits ovulation, prevents sperm from reaching the egg, and prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.	1%	Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches.	One injection every 3 months.
Injection (Lunelle)	An injectable form of progestin and estrogen.	1%	Changes in menstrual cycle, weight gain (similar to oral contraceptives–combined pill).	Injection given once a month.
Vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing)	A flexible ring about 2 inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones progestin and estrogen.	1–2%	Vaginal discharge, vaginitis, irritation (similar to oral contraceptives–combined pill).	Inserted by the woman; remains in the vagina for 3 weeks, then is removed for 1 week. If the ring is expelled and remains out for more than 3 hours, another birth control method must be used until the ring has been used continuously for 7 days.
The Patch (Ortho Evra)	Skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream.	1–2% (Appears to be less effective in women weighing >198 lbs.)	Similar to oral contraceptives –combined pill.	New patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks. Patch is not worn during the fourth week, and woman has a menstrual period.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)	A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health professional.	1%	Cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, perforation of uterus.	After insertion, can remain in place for up to 1 or 10 years, depending on type.
Male condom (latex/polyurethane)	A sheath placed over the erect penis blocking the passage of sperm.	11%	Irritation and allergic reactions. Oil-based lubricants weaken latex condoms and should not be used with these methods.	Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded. Polyurethane condoms are available for those with latex sensitivity.
Diaphragm with spermicide	A dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix so that sperm cannot reach the uterus. A spermicide is applied to the diaphragm before insertion.	17%	Irritation and allergic reactions, urinary tract infection. Risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious infection, when kept in place longer than recommended. Spermicide can cause irritation.	Inserted before intercourse and left in place at least 6 hours after. Can be left in place for 24 hours, with additional spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Female condom	A lubricated polyurethane sheath shaped similarly to the male condom. The closed end has a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina.	21%	Irritation and allergic reactions.	Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded.
Spermicide alone	A foam, cream, jelly, film, suppository, or tablet that contains nonoxynol-9, a sperm-killing chemical.	20-50%	Irritation and allergic reactions, urinary tract infections.	Instructions vary; check labeling. Inserted 5 to 90 minutes before intercourse and usually left in place.
Periodic abstinence	Deliberately refraining from having sexual intercourse during times when pregnancy is more likely.	20%	None.	Requires frequent monitoring of body functions such as body temperature.

*Data adapted from FDA’s Uniform Contraceptive Table (revised 9/17/98) and Birth Control Guide (12/03)

Please note: Not all temporary methods of birth control can be used during the 3-month waiting time following the Essure procedure. Please talk to your physician about what form of temporary birth control you should use during this time.