Birth Control

Here are 11 questions and answers on the emergency contraceptive Plan B and its FDA approval for over-the-counter sales to women age 18 and older.

Thanks to design changes and recent declarations by physician’s groups that they are safe for all ages, IUDs are swiftly gaining popularity.

Almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Find out how this happens so often, from user error to irregular periods.

If you're sure you don't want kids, find out from WebMD what's involved with permanent birth control options like vasectomy and tubal ligation.

You might find that your birth control doesn’t fit into your lifestyle anymore. It’s normal and completely safe to switch methods, as long as you talk to your doctor first. Learn more about when you should switch your method, how to transition, and what side effects could happen after you swap birth control methods.

Tired of taking birth control pills? There are lots of other contraception choices that need less action on your part and that you can stop at any time.

How do you get emergency contraception? Which type is best? What are the effects on your body? Get the answers straight from a doctor.

IUDs often cause cramps. Learn what can you do about them, how long they might last, how to feel better, and what to do if they don’t go away.

Can you get a copper IUD put in as emergency contraception? How does it work? What are the pros and cons?

Here's what you need to know about using a menstrual cup when you have an IUD.

What happens if you think your IUD is out of place? What are the signs? How do you check? Should you call the doctor? Learn what to look for and what to do if you think your IUD is out of place.

Many women avoid birth control methods they think will cause weight gain. An IUD isn’t likely to bring extra pounds. It’s also one of the most effective and easy-to-use contraceptives on the market.

A professor who led a study on women’s attempts to remove their IUDs found there’s a high risk of failure, but there’s really no harm in doing it yourself if you want to try.

Does getting an IUD hurt? Will my periods change? What type of IUD is best? Learn what women wish they had known before they got an IUD.

Since NuvaRing hit the market, more than 700 women have filed lawsuits, claiming it has caused potentially life-threatening blood clots. The battle may change the way millions of women prevent pregnancy.

The FDA has changed the rules about how pharmacies sell some types of emergency contraception. Before you walk into a drugstore, learn more about what's available.

Are no-period birth control pills safe?

Will going on birth control pills make you gain weight?

The newest birth control pills suppress women's menstrual cycles. But is this wise?

Forty years after its development, myths and controversies still swirl around this common contraceptive. Does it lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, as some researchers claim? Heart disease? Infertility? Here's what's true, what's not, and what's new when it comes to the pill.

Almost 3 million unintended pregnancies happen each year in the United States. Read here to find out about emergency contraception.

From a molecule that looks promising, to a new medicine on your shelf – the process typically takes years and involves researchers, drug companies, government bureaucrats, human subjects … and a few good rats.

Some women are opting not to have their period each month. What are the risks and benefits of this choice?

How do birth control apps work? Can I use a cycle tracking app for birth control? How do I find a reliable fertility app? Learn about apps for cycle tracking, fertility, family planning, and birth control.

No matter where you are on the gender spectrum you could need birth control, especially if there’s a chance you could get pregnant and you’re not trying to. Learn about the types of birth control available and what might be best for you.