Shots, patches among alternatives to the Pill

These days, choosing a form of birth control can seem as daunting as shopping for a new laptop computer - the technology is constantly changing and there are just so many options.

The past decade or so has seen the launch of the hormone patch and an insertable ring, both of which release constant, low-dose levels of estrogen and progestin. Even more recent additions are hormone shots and implanted hormone "sticks" that go in the arm and last for months or years at a time.

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, once primarily offered to women who had already given birth, are making a comeback and are being given to younger women. Even the old mainstays - birth control pills and condoms - have undergone major improvements in recent years, making them easier to use.

So many choices can make it difficult for women and their health care providers to pick just the right birth control. But it's a pretty good dilemma to have, say family planning experts.

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