Comparing Combined Methods
| Characteristic | Combined Oral Contraceptives | Monthly Injectables | Combined Patch | Combined Vaginal Ring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it is used | Pill taken orally. | Intramuscular injection. | Patch worn on upper outer arm, back, abdomen or buttocks. Not on breasts. | Ring inserted in the vagina. |
| Frequency of use | Daily. | Monthly: Injection every 4 weeks. | Weekly: Patch is changed every week for 3 weeks. No patch worn 4th week. | Monthly: Ring kept in place for 3 weeks and taken out during 4th week. |
| Effectiveness | Depends on user's ability to take a pill every day. | Least dependent on the user. User must obtain injection every 4 weeks (plus or minus 7 days). |
Requires user's attention once a week. | Depends on user keeping the ring in place, not leaving it out for more than 48 hours at a time. |
| Bleeding patterns | Typically, irregular bleeding for the first few months and then lighter and more regular bleeding. |
Irregular bleeding or no monthly bleeding is more common than with COCs. Also, some have prolonged bleeding in the first few months. | Similar to COCs, but irregular bleeding is more common in the first few cycles than with COCs. |
Similar to COCs, but irregular bleeding is less common than with COCs. |
| Privacy | No physical signs of use but others may find the pills. | No physical signs of use. | Patch may be seen by partner or others. | Partner may be able to feel the ring. |