Birth Control Medical Reference

If you use birth control, you may ask yourself, “Is this the best option for me?” Here are some things to think about if you want to make a switch.

Experts continue to improve hormonal birth control options. Learn about changes in the pill, ring, patch, implant, IUD, or injection.

Emergency contraception is a type of birth control you take to prevent pregnancy after you’ve had unprotected sex or if your birth control of choice failed. Here’s a closer look at the options available.

The lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) can be effective for birth control if you breastfeed 100% for the first 6 months. Learn the pros and cons.

Birth control pills and patches both work well to prevent pregnancy. Get to know the pros and cons of each so you can make the right choice.

New extended birth control pill routines can protect you from unplanned pregnancy and allow you to have fewer periods. Here’s what you need to know.

Birth control pills don’t cause cervical cancer, but they may make you more vulnerable to it. Learn more about the link.

When you’re a teen, can you get birth control without your parents’ permission? Do you need a prescription? Get answers to these questions and more.

Learn which forms of hormonal birth control can impact your blood pressure.

Spotting while you’re on birth control isn’t uncommon. Learn more about why it happens and how to stop it.

Autoimmune illnesses can cause high-risk pregnancies. Birth control is key. WebMD walks you through the contraception options.

Even careful couples can make a mistake. Find out when backup birth control is a good idea.

11-beta-MNTDC is a once-daily hormonal pill that men take to prevent their female partner from getting pregnant. Here’s how it works and when it might be available.

Women may one day insert sperm-fighting antibodies into their vaginas as an effective, hormone-free means of birth control.

Can a new type of single-use vaginal gel prevent pregnancy? Learn the facts about how it works and how it compares to your other birth control options.

Birth control pills and vaginal rings both have two hormones to keep you from getting pregnant. Here’s what you should know about how they compare.

You need to have a rather unsexy talk before you get the party started with your partner. Here’s how to start the talk about birth control.

Birth control access is key to preventing unintended pregnancies. But race, socioeconomics, and where you live can play a role. Learn why.

With one exception – rifamycin antibiotics – that’s a myth.

Why do Hispanic teenagers get pregnant more often than their peers? We examine some barriers to effective birth control.

Which groups of people have the most access to birth control? We explore who benefits from this method of contraception and what obstacles some may face in getting it.

To prevent pregnancy, each partner having sex has a role. Here’s how everyone can be proactive about contraception and not make assumptions.

If you’ve been raped, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for care including emergency contraception to reduce your risk of getting pregnant. You can also find pills that will help prevent pregnancy at most pharmacies.

Black women have higher rates of unplanned pregnancies; contraception may play a role. Find the best birth control for you.

What do you do if a condom breaks? Condom breakage increases the chances of pregnancy and HIV risk. Broken condom what to do next.

There are many kinds of birth control, but how well does each one work? For some, the answer depends on how you use it.

Learn about no-scalpel vasectomies, a less invasive alternative to traditional vasectomies.

It’s important to consider different side effects and risks when choosing a birth control method. Learn more about different forms of contraception.

Even though fertility may drop as you approach midlife, you still need to take birth control if you don’t plan to get pregnant.

Comprehensive sex education covers a wide range of topics, including birth control. Studies show it can reduce unintended pregnancies and STIs.

Some women report ongoing pain, changes in their mood and periods, or even menopause symptoms after they get their tubes tied.

Here’s how to get different types of contraceptives that help prevent pregnancy. Plus, learn what to do if costs get in the way.

Time to remove that birth control implant? No worries. The procedure is safe and quick.

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.

Birth control methods like the pill and IUD are effective at preventing pregnancy, but they aren't safe for everyone.

Birth control can prevent an unwanted pregnancy, but there are some possible complications you should know about.

The best method of birth control is the one you’ll use correctly. Here are some other issues to consider as you choose.

How to talk to your doctor about birth control to ensure you get the type you need.

Condoms are the only method of birth control that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.

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.

You can get pregnant again very soon after you give birth. If you don't want another child, it's important to have a birth control plan.

Most birth control doesn’t hurt your ability to get pregnant after you stop using it. But in some cases, you may have to wait a little while for it to happen.

If you don’t want to take a pill every day, there are lots of long-term birth control options.

If you need birth control, getting to the doctor’s office may be a challenge during the pandemic. Telemedicine is a great way to limit your risk.

Learn more about the potential side effects of taking prenatal vitamins while on birth control.

Birth control pills are a safe, effective, simple, and affordable way to prevent pregnancy. They also can make periods lighter, improve acne, and they may help prevent certain diseases and conditions. But nausea can be one of their drawbacks.

The birth control pill and shot are two effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Read on to learn about what they have in common, how they differ, and how you can switch from one method to the other.

Many women find that they’re more anxious after they start hormonal birth control. Find out why there could be a link between hormones in birth control and your anxiety.

Certain types of birth control can lower your risk for ovarian cancer. Learn more about how the birth control pill, IUDs, and more affect your odds.