Birth Control Medical Reference

Nonhormonal birth control methods prevent you from getting pregnant without changing or affecting your natural hormone production or period cycle.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s possible to still get pregnant with an IUD, but it’s very rare. Find out the causes and risks of a failed IUD.

Birth control pills and IUDs are two popular ways to prevent pregnancy. Find how they’re different, and how they work, to decide which one may be best for you.

Your body changes as you age. Read on to learn what to think about if you’re considering birth control in your 30s.

The "pill" is a popular contraceptive for women. But why don't men have a birth control pill?

IUDs provide an easy way to avoid pregnancy. Learn more about the two types, and which is better for you.

Hormonal birth control can make your breasts look larger. Find out why birth control causes your breasts to grow and other side effects it can cause.

Female condoms are another way women can take contraception into their own hands. Read on to find out the pros and cons of this type of condom.

Many people think that birth control implants cause you to gain weight. Find out if birth control implants are related to your weight.

It’s very common to miss a birth control pill at some point. Learn what to do next to get back on track.

Birth control is known to lead to mood swings and other side effects. Find out if it also can cause depression.

You can get several types of birth control without a prescription. Find out what they are, how they work, and which one might be best for you.

Some studies found that women who use Mirena IUD and other types of hormonal birth control may be more likely to show signs of depression. But what does other research say?

IUDs are the most effective type of emergency contraceptive. Find out the side effects, risks, and how they work to prevent pregnancy.