While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to test a new male birth control pill, female hormonal contraception methods have been available for years, and new types are still being developed and introduced.

Female hormonal contraceptives work by preventing ovulation, producing thick cervical secretions that prevent sperm from joining with an egg, and preventing fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. There are several methods available from which women can choose.

"Birth control is a personal decision, so there is no one best method," Alicia Lentz, a nurse at the University Health Services (UHS) Women's Health Clinic, said. "It comes down to finding something to match with your medical history."

The birth control pill, a combined hormonal contraceptive that is taken orally, was approved by the FDA in 1960 and was the first type of birth control. It contains both estrogen and progesterone. The pill is still the "No. 1 seller" among female contraceptives, Paula Nossek, health center manager of Planned Parenthood, 253 Easterly Parkway, said.

Unlike other forms of female contraception, there are several types and brands of birth control pills on the market, all of which contain different levels of hormones. Kristin Rickelman, certified registered nurse practitioner of Centre-Huntington Tapestry of Health, said this is a major advantage.

"If one pill doesn't work for someone, she can easily switch to another type," she said.

Two other types of combined hormonal contraceptives were introduced in 2001. The transdermal patch Ortho Evra and the vaginal ring NuvaRing both contain estrogen and progesterone, which are absorbed directly through the skin and vaginal mucous, respectively. The patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, torso or upper outer arm once a week for three out of four weeks, and the ring is inserted vaginally every three weeks.

"One benefit is that women don't have to worry about taking a pill every day," Rickelman said.

Combined hormonal contraceptives are about 99 percent effective in protecting against pregnancy if used correctly, but effectiveness decreases if a woman misses a pill or forgets to change her patch or ring on time. Lentz said it is important for women to be comfortable with the risks they are taking when they have sexual intercourse, even when using birth control.

"There is no such thing as a perfect method," she added.

Some of the common side effects of combined hormonal contraceptives include weight gain, mood changes, nausea, irregular bleeding and breast tenderness. Rickelman said she has heard complaints of skin irritation with the patch and bleeding between periods with both the Patch and the Ring.

Nossek explained that the occurrence of side effects are also based partially on a person's medical history and needs.

"Although the FDA requires pharmaceutical companies to [disclose] all possible side effects, people need to talk with a medical provider regarding side effects for each and every method they are considering," Nossek said. "It's so important to contact your doctor when you have questions."

Another type of female contraceptive is Depo-Provera, which has been available for more than 30 years. Unlike combined hormonal contraceptives, this one contains only progesterone and is administered as an injection every three months. Because it doesn't contain estrogen, Depo-Provera can be used by women over age 35 who smoke and women who are breastfeeding.

"It's very popular among teens," Rickelman said. "It is an excellent form [of contraception] for someone who has trouble remembering to take a birth control pill."

Depo-Provera is also 99 percent effective, and its possible side effects include weight gain, breast tenderness and menstrual changes. Many women's periods stop completely after one year of use.

Norplant is another type of progesterone-only contraceptive. It consists of six flexible plastic implants containing a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone that are inserted under the skin of the upper arm to protect against pregnancy for about five to six years. This type of contraception is currently off the market.

"The longer a woman is on Norplant, the longer it will take to be able to become pregnant again after having the implants removed," Nossek said. "It is currently being redistributed, and the new Norplant will protect against pregnancy for two to three years. [The distributors] want to market to a larger group of women." Nossek said she anticipates that Norplant will be back on the market this year.

All of these types of hormonal contraceptives can also be used to regulate women's menstrual cycles as well as protecting against pregnancy.

"They all control hormone levels, so they will also affect a woman's menstrual patterns," Nossek said. "There are many medical benefits to using birth control. It's not just for contraceptive use."