Work with your health care provider to choose the best option for you. As you think about your decision, think about how likely you are to use each method the right way. Can you remember to take a pill every day? Can you remember to change a patch once a week? Can you remember to remove a vaginal ring after 3 weeks and insert a new one every 4 weeks? Long-acting methods (IUD, implant) are the most convenient because they work for 3 to up to 12 years, depending on the method. The injection, which works for 3 months, is more convenient than the pill, patch, or ring. Also, ask your health care provider how the method you are thinking about will affect your period. See the table for a list of side effects and risks for each of the different forms.
