Choosing the right birth control can seem like a daunting task, especially with dozens of types to choose from.  Finding the method of birth control that is right for you can be influenced by a number of different factors including the effectiveness of the method, any related costs, how invasive it is, the complexity of the method, and  your religious or philosophical beliefs.  Here is a brief guide to one type of birth control known as Short Acting Hormonal Methods.

Short acting hormonal methods include the pill, the patch, and the NuvaRing and prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and fertilization of the egg.  These methods can be combined hormonal, containing both estrogen and progestin, or progestin only methods.  Progestin only methods are often used when a woman can't take estrogen due to certain medical conditions such as blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, high blood pressure, smokers over 35 years old, and migraine headaches with an aura.  Women who are breastfeeding should also not take estrogen since it can decrease milk supply.  Short acting hormonal methods, in perfect use are as effective as LARCs, however due to potential human error, they are rarely perfectly used for long periods of time.  Because of this, about 9 in 100 women become pregnant during the first year of using these methods.  They are still considered a very effective form of birth control, but are not nearly as effective as LARCs or sterilization methods.

• The Pill- The combination pill known as "The Pill" contains both estrogen and progestin and prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening the cervical mucus which prevents sperm from reaching the egg.  The progestin only pill known as the "Mini-Pill" prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, but rarely prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.  The Pill and Mini-Pill become effective 7 days after use begins unless they are taken on the first day of your period, in which case they become effective immediately.  One of the major drawbacks of the Pill is that it must be taken every day at almost exactly the same time.  Because of this, it is easy to miss a dose which could lead to unplanned pregnancy. 
• The Patch- The birth control patch is a transdermal patch that releases the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy similar to how the pill works.  The patch is worn for an entire week for three consecutive weeks followed by one week that is patch free.  Like the Pill, the patch becomes effective 7 days after use begins unless it is started on the first day of your period, then it becomes effective immediately.  While the patch needs to be replaced weekly as opposed to the daily regimen of taking the Pill, it still carries the risk of unplanned pregnancy if it becomes loose or falls off or if it is not replaced on time.
• NuvaRing- The NuvaRing is a soft flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and replaced monthly.  Once the NuvaRing is inserted, it stays in for three consecutive weeks and is then removed for one week.  After the ring free week is over, a new ring should be inserted on the same day of the week that the first ring was inserted. The NuvaRing becomes effective 7 days after use begins unless it is started within the first five days of your period in which case it becomes effective immediately.  Leaving the ring in for too long or not replacing it on time can result in unplanned pregnancy.