Hormonal methods of birth control

Hormonal methods of birth control prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovaries). They do this by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin (or progestin alone) into your body. Hormonal methods of birth control are prescribed by your doctor and include the birth control pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, hormone shots and implants and a type of intrauterine device.