Birth Control Medical Reference

Should you taper off your hormonal birth control, or quit cold turkey? Learn how you can get off your contraceptive safely, why you may want to stop, and what to expect.

Alcohol won't change how your birth control method works. But it affects your behavior. Learn how to plan ahead if you're going to drink.

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.

Here are a few things to think about if you're considering a vasectomy for birth control.

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.

Natural family planning doesn't involve pills or devices. Learn all about the methods.

Hormonal birth control pills almost always work to prevent pregnancies -- as long as you don’t skip doses and take them on schedule. Here’s how to do that.

Sometimes, birth control pills can change your sex drive. Learn how you can get your mojo back on track.

There are times when you dread your period. Did you know there are ways you can safely keep it from happening?

With a multitude of condom sizes on the market, it may take some effort to find the proper fit. Learn more about how to make sure you have the right fit and the consequences when you don't.

Tubal ligation, also known as getting your tubes tied, is a permanent method of birth control -- usually. Find out how likely you are to get pregnant once you have this surgery.

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.

Learn what happens when you get an IUD, and what you need to know once it's in place.

Find out what happens when your doctor takes your IUD out, and when is the right time to have it removed.

Learn which IUD side effects are most common. Find out what to do if you have a problem with your IUD.

Spermicide condoms are exactly what they sound like - condoms with added spermicide to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Learn more about their effectiveness vs. regular condoms at WebMD.

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.

Ever wonder about what to worry about when you take the pill? Description:

Yes, you can still get pregnant even if you use birth control. Here’s a look at the effectiveness of the most common types, and how to lower your chances of an “oops” pregnancy.

Not all women want or can use hormonal contraceptives like the pill. Here are hormone-free birth control options.

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.