Birth Control Medical Reference
- Avoid These Common Birth Control Mistakes
Birth control only works if you use it correctly. Check out some common mistakes and learn how to avoid them to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
- How Hormonal Birth Control Can Affect Your Mood
Many women say birth control affects their mood. But the evidence is mixed. Here’s what researchers know about the link between hormonal birth control and your emotions.
- The Natural Family Planning Methods
Natural family planning doesn't involve pills or devices. Learn all about the methods.
- How to Stop Your Period With Birth Control
There are times when you dread your period. Did you know there are ways you can safely keep it from happening?
- The Pill and Your Sex Drive
Sometimes, birth control pills can change your sex drive. Learn how you can get your mojo back on track.
- Does Condom Size Matter?
With a multitude of condom sizes on the market, it may take some effort to find the proper fit.
- Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation: Can It Happen?
Tubal ligation, or getting your tubes tied, is a permanent method of birth control – usually. Find out the likelihood of pregnancy after this surgery.
- Birth Control and Cancer Risk: What You Should Know
If you use birth control, you might be wondering whether it affects your chances of getting cancer. Find out how IUDs, birth control pills, birth control shots, and others raise or lower your risk.
- Getting Your Tubes Tied: Pros, Cons, and What to Know
Tubal ligation, or having your tubes tied, has a number of advantages and disadvantages. It's permanent and hard to reverse, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
- IUD Side Effects
Learn which IUD side effects are most common. Find out what to do if you have a problem with your IUD.
- IUD Removal: What to Expect
Find out what happens when your doctor takes your IUD out and when is the right time to have it removed.
- Birth Control Patch (Transdermal Contraceptive)
The birth control patch works by delivering pregnancy-blocking hormones through your skin. Learn the pros and cons of these transdermal patches and whether they are right for you.
- Nonhormonal Birth Control
Not all women want or can use hormonal contraceptives like the pill. Here are hormone-free birth control options.
- Male Birth Control Options
Birth control isn’t just a woman’s responsibility. Here’s what men can do to help avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
- Birth Control: Benefits Beyond Pregnancy Prevention
You know the pill can help you prevent pregnancy, but there are many other benefits to taking birth control pills.
- Birth Control in Your 40s and 50s
Birth control needs can change as you enter your 40s and 50s. Learn about the options and when you can stop using birth control.
- Implant vs. IUD: What’s the Difference?
IUDs and implants are very safe and effective for birth control. But there are some key differences in how they work. Learn how you get them, how long they last, and side effects.
- How Effective Are Different Types of Birth Control?
There are many kinds of birth control, but how well does each one work? For some, the answer depends on how you use it.
- What Is a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
Learn about no-scalpel vasectomies, a less invasive alternative to traditional vasectomies.
- Birth Control Methods and the Risk of Blood Clots
Blood clots are rare, but they can be dangerous. Your birth control may make you more likely to get one. Find out which birth control methods put you at risk for DVT and PE, and how much.
- What Is the Minipill?
The minipill: Everything you need to know about taking progestin-only birth control.
- Nexplanon Removal: What to Know
Time to remove that birth control implant? No worries. The procedure is safe and quick.
- Birth Control: What Are the Possible Complications?
Birth control can prevent an unwanted pregnancy, but there are some possible complications you should know about.
- Best Birth Control for STI and Pregnancy Prevention
Condoms are the only method of birth control that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
- Birth Control: The Latest Research
What’s the latest in birth control research? Here is a look at some promising options that may be safer, more effective, or easier to use than current contraceptives.
- Can You Get Pregnant on Birth Control?
Birth control pills are supposed to prevent you from getting pregnant, but they’re not 100% effective. Learn when and why you can still get pregnant on the pill.
- How Can You Reverse a Vasectomy?
Changed your mind about having that vasectomy? They can almost always be reversed. Find out what to expect.
- Pull Out Method (Withdrawal)
Can you get pregnant if he pulls out during sex? The short answer is yes. Learn more about how the withdrawal method works and how effective it really is.
- Is Heart Disease a Worry if I Use the Pill?
Find out if your risk for heart disease and blood clots goes up if you take birth control that has the hormones estrogen and progestin, such as the pill or other methods like injections, IUDs, and the patch.
- 'Natural' Birth Control: What to Know
How do “natural” methods of birth control work? WebMD discusses family planning, rhythm method, cervical mucus, and more.
- What Birth Control Is OK When You’re Breastfeeding?
Some contraceptive choices may be better than others when you’re nursing your baby.
- Stopping the Pill? 10 Ways Your Body May Change
Whether you’ve been using hormone birth control for a short while or a long time, you may be in for some changes when you quit.
- What to Consider When Choosing Birth Control
The best method of birth control is the one you’ll use correctly. Here are some other issues to consider as you choose.
- Medicines That Interfere With Birth Control Pills
Find out which drugs may lessen the effectiveness of the pill and other types of hormonal birth control.
- Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a small operation a man has to prevent pregnancy. The procedure, which you can get at a doctor’s office without being asleep, works by blocking sperm from reaching semen ejaculated from the penis. With no sperm entering the woman, she won’t get pregnant.
- Birth Control and Sex Ed: What Works Best?
Comprehensive sex education covers a wide range of topics, including birth control. Studies show it can reduce unintended pregnancies and STIs.
- Birth Control: What Type Is Right for You?
Wondering which birth control is right for you? WebMD explains the variety of safe, effective options.
- Emergency Contraception: What to Expect
What’s it like to use emergency contraception? Whether you choose pills or an IUD, you’re probably wondering about pain, nausea, and side effects. WebMD tells you what to expect.
- Emergency Contraception FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about emergency contraception: What’s available? Do I need a prescription? How soon must I use it? Are there side effects or long-term effects?
- Birth Control Implants (Contraceptive Implants)
Interested in learning more about the contraceptive implants Nexplanon and Implanon? WebMD has you covered with information on effectiveness, side effects, cost, and removal.
- Birth Control Side Effects and Risks
It’s important to consider different side effects and risks when choosing a birth control method. Learn more about different forms of contraception.
- Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception: Plan B
WebMD discusses what Plan B is, why it's used, and its effectiveness and side effects.
- Will Birth Control Pills Make Me Gain Weight?
WebMD dispels the myth that birth control pills cause weight gain - and explains how it got started.
- Birth Control: Is the Diaphragm Right for You?
The diaphragm is one of the oldest forms of birth control. Is it still a good choice? Here's how to use it and how well it works.
- What Is the Cervical Cap?
Are you considering using the cervical cap (FemCap) for birth control? Check on how effective it is, where you get it, and whether you need a prescription.
- Vaginal Ring for Birth Control
Vaginal ring: If you're considering the vaginal ring for birth control, you'll want to know how it works, how effective it is, and what the side effects are.
- Birth Control and the IUD
If you’re looking into birth control options, one method is the IUD. Today’s IUDs are considered both effective and safe for most people.
- The Birth Control Pill and Breast Cancer Risk
WebMD explains the link between birth control pills and breast and ovarian cancers.
- Birth Control Sponge
WebMD explains how the contraceptive sponge works.
- Birth Control and Sterilization
WebMD explains various sterilization procedures for women and men.