Combined estrogen and progestin contraceptives: Pros and cons
By Mayo Clinic staffCombined estrogen and progestin contraceptives (the pill, patch and ring) are a highly effective birth control method, but they're not suitable for everyone. To help you decide if these contraceptives are right for you, keep the following points in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They lessen some symptoms of menstruation, such as cramping and heavy flow. | They may cause side effects, such as nausea, breast tenderness, bloating and depression. |
| The patch and vaginal ring don't need to be thought about every day. | They pose the risk of rare but serious complications, such as blood clots. |
| They don't interrupt sexual activity. | They offer no protection against STDs, including HIV. |
