Birth Control Medical Reference

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Interested in learning more about the contraceptive implants Nexplanon and Implanon? WebMD has you covered with information on effectiveness, side effects, cost, and removal.

WebMD provides you with questions to ask your doctor about birth control.

WebMD discusses what Plan B is, why it's used, and its effectiveness and side effects.

WebMD dispels the myth that birth control pills cause weight gain - and explains how it got started.

From weight gain to no-period pills, these WebMD articles answer some of your most common questions about birth control pills.