Very Effective methods

Method PPY* Features
Estrogen / progestin oral contraceptive pill 8 Daily compliance required. More effective with consistent and correct use.
Estrogen / progestin vaginal ring 8 Worn in vagina for 3-4 weeks. If withdrawal bleed desired, remove for 1 week each month. Can remove and immediately replace after intercourse or leave in place.
Estrogen / progestin patch (e.g. Ortho Evra) 8 Replace patch weekly. Less effective for women who weigh > 200 lbs. Higher systemic estrogen exposure than with ring or low dose oral contraceptive pills.
Progestin oral contraceptive pill 8 Higher effectiveness when pill taken within 3 hours of the same time each day.
*PPY = pregnancies per year that occur among 100 women with typical use of the method.