Birth Control Health Center

Medical Reference Related to Birth Control

31. Tubal Ligation and Tubal Implants
    

    Tubal ligation, often referred to as "having your tubes tied, " is a surgical procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked, tied, or cut.

32. Birth Control - When to Call a Doctor
    

    Different birth control methods have different side effects and possible complications. It is important to understand the risks of the birth control method you use. Talk to your health professional if you have concerns about side effects.Call your health professional if you have symptoms of pregnancy, such as having missed one or more periods or having your period but with a lot less bleeding ...

33. Topic Overview
    

    The female condom is a barrier method of birth control. It is a tube of soft plastic (polyurethane) that has a closed end. Each end has a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the woman's vagina over the cervix,like a diaphragm,to hold the tube in place. The ring at the open end remains outside the opening of the vagina. The female condom can be inserted up to 8 ...

34. Topic Overview
    

    Some medicines can interfere with how birth control pills work. For example,you may not be protected from pregnancy while you are taking other medicines that affect liver metabolism. The vaginal ring and skin patch contain combination hormones and may also interact with some medicines. The progestin-only pills,implant (Implanon),and shot (Depo-Provera) also contain hormones that may ...

35. Topic Overview
    

    A spermicide is a substance that kills sperm. Spermicides are available as jelly,foam,cream,suppositories,and film. The active ingredient of most spermicides is a chemical called nonoxynol-9. Most spermicides come with an applicator. The applicator is filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina right before intercourse. When using a jelly,foam,or cream,you can then have sex ...

36. Topic Overview
    

    It is not unusual for women who are taking hormone pills for birth control to have very light periods or no bleeding at all. If you have not missed any pills,skip 1 period,yet have no other signs of early pregnancy,it is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Signs of early pregnancy include fatigue,breast tenderness or enlargement,nausea or vomiting,and increased urination. Call your ...

37. Topic Overview
    

    When to use a condomCondoms can be used with spermicide to prevent pregnancy or alone as protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Pregnancy prevention. Use a condom and spermicide to prevent pregnancy. Make sure to check the condom's expiration date, and do not use it if past that date.STD protection. To protect yourself and your partner from STD infection, use a condom during ...

38. Birth Control - Overview
    

    What is birth control?Birth control, also called contraception, is any method used to prevent pregnancy. It allows you to choose whether or when to have a child. Most women can become pregnant from the age when they start their menstrual periods until their late 40s or early 50s. During the many years before menopause, using birth control is key to avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. Which birth ...

39. Birth Control Pills,Patch,or Ring
    

    Drug details for Combination hormonal birth control methods (pills, patch, or ring).

40. Topic Overview
    

    A diaphragm is a birth control device that blocks sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is made of rubber and shaped like a dome. It fits inside a woman's vagina and covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus); a firm, flexible rim keeps it in place. A diaphragm is always used with a sperm - killing cream or jelly (spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.Proper diaphragm use Spread spermicidal cream or ...