Hormonal birth control is extremely successful at preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but some women find taking daily oral contraception to be an inconvenience. For these people, other hormonal methods may be useful, including the patch and the shot. The shot, which is more commonly known under its brand name, Depo-Provera, is an injection of hormones that prevents pregnancy. Depo-Provera stops conception in several ways, mainly by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens a woman's cervical mucous and reduces motility of the fallopian tubes, making it less likely for a sperm to join an egg. In addition, the shot thins the lining of the uterus, which may make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Some people consider this an early form of an abortion and therefore find it unethical. In addition to the hormonal changes which help to prevent pregnancy, most women experience a reduction in their menstrual flow, or a complete cessation of periods altogether. A woman using Depo-Provera receives the injection in a doctor's office every twelve weeks. It works to prevent conception for the full three months afterward. The shot is 97 percent effective and usually costs between $30 and $75 U.S. dollars, per injection. This, in conjunction with the fact that Depo-Provera does not contain estrogen, (a common ingredient in many hormonal methods), makes it popular with the women who use it. However, use of the shot beyond two years is not advised as it is associated with bone density loss and osteoporosis. For this reason, some women may prefer a newer method of hormonal birth control: the patch. The patch is a thin, beige-colored device that adheres to a woman's skin like a band-aid for a week at a time. After receiving a prescription for the patch, a woman will apply the sticky part to the skin of her buttocks, stomach, upper arm, or upper torso. On the same day a week later, the patch should be removed and replaced. This continues for three weeks, with a one week break during which a woman has her period. This device works in the same manner as Depo-Provera. With correct use, the patch is more than 99 percent effective and is usually quite affordable at about $30 U.S dollars per month. However, women who are over 180 pounds or who have a body mass index greater than 30 may experience less success with this method. In addition, the patch is not recommended for people who take certain medications, like those used to treat seizures. In general, both the shot and the patch are quite effective at preventing pregnancy; however neither offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases. For this reason, some women use condoms to reduce STD transmission and for back-up pregnancy prevention. If you're considering a hormonal method of birth control, carefully weigh your options and talk to your doctor about which may be right for you!