Birth Control Medical Reference

Birth control isn’t just a woman’s responsibility. Here’s what men can do to help avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

You know the pill can help you prevent pregnancy, but there are many other benefits to taking birth control pills.

Birth control needs can change as you enter your 40s and 50s. Learn about the options and when you can stop using birth control.

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.

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.

The Minipill: Everything you need to know about taking progestin-only 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.

WebMD explains the withdrawal method, how it works and whether it's effective.

WebMD explains whether 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.

How do “natural” methods of birth control work? WebMD discusses family planning, rhythm method, cervical mucus, and more.

Teens don't always use birth control correctly or consistently. WebMD tells you about the best birth control methods for teens as recommended by health experts.

Some contraceptive choices may be better than others when you’re nursing your baby. WebMD lets you know what options won’t impact your milk supply.

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.

Want to use birth control pills but don’t know which one to pick? WebMD explains what you need to know about today’s pills to make a smart choice.

WebMD explains which drugs may lessen the effectiveness of the pill and other types of hormonal birth control.

Are you considering getting your tubes tied for birth control? WebMD explains what’s involved in tubal ligation, how effective it is, and whether it can be reversed if you change your mind later on.

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.

"Best" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. And your needs may change over time, too. Use this guide from WebMD to compare more than 20 birth control methods.

Condoms for men aren’t the only option. Female condoms can protect you, too. WebMD explains.

Weighing your birth control options? WebMD explains low-dose and ultra-low-dose pills and what happens when you take less estrogen.

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.

If you need emergency contraception, you have a lot of reliable options -- but you must act quickly. Learn more from WebMD about your emergency contraception choices and how they work.

Get answers from WebMD 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?

WebMD provides questions about emergency contraception that you may want to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Wondering which birth control is right for you? WebMD explains the variety of safe, effective birth control options.