Birth Control Medications (Contraceptives): Birth control (contraceptive) medications contain hormones (estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone alone). The medications are available in various forms, such as pills, injections (into a muscle), topical (skin) patches.
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Birth Control Overview
Many different types of birth control are available, and include hormonal methods, barrier methods, and behavioral methods. The type of birth control depends on the method or options a woman chooses. Common side effects of the birth control pill (the most common form of birth control used by women in the US) include, fluid retention, breakthrough bleeding, missed periods, anxiety, mood changes, and decreased sexual desire (libido). -
Birth Control Permanent Methods
Permanent methods of birth control include tubal ligation or implants for women and vasectomy for men. Pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure information should be reviewed with your physician to discuss effectiveness of the procedure, recovery time, and any other necessary concerns in regard to the procedure. -
Ask Birth Control Pill at the Same Time Every Day
I’m constantly traveling for my job, so my daily routine is all over the place, depending on what time zone I’m in and whether I’m flying at a given time. This makes remembering to take my birth control pills difficult. Do I have to take the pill at the same time every day? What do I do if I miss a dose? -
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (birth control after intercourse) is the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive measures can be taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. -
Ask How Effective Is Spermicide
I’m hoping to discontinue using condoms, but I don’t want to get my wife pregnant. How effective is spermicide? -
Ovarian Cysts
There are several different types of ovarian cysts (noncancerous growths). Follicular, corpus luteum, hemorrhagic, dermoid, endometrioid (endometriomas), polycystic-appearing ovary, and cystadenoma. There are a variety of causes of ovarian cysts. Some are previous history, irregular menses, increased upper body fat, early menses, infertility, hypothyroidism, or side effect of medication. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, pain after sex, urination, or bowel movements, nausea, or vomiting. Treatment depends upon the cause of the ovarian cyst. -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death. -
Birth Control Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals that are used during sexual intercourse that prevent conception by rendering sperm ineffective. They come as jellies, films, suppositories, foams, or tablets. Spermicides don't work as well as other reversible barrier methods of birth control. -
Ask Side Effects Birth Control Patch
I recently got a divorce from my husband and I’m back in the dating pool. I need to go on birth control before I become sexually active, but I also lost a lot of weight within the last year. What are the side effects of the birth control patch? Can the patch make you gain weight?
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Birth Control Medications (Contraceptives) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Birth Control Medications (Contraceptives) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Ethinyl Estradiol And NorelgestrominEthinyl estradiol and norelgestromin transdermal (skin patch) is a combination birth control that is used to prevent pregnancy...learn more »
Ethinyl Estradiol And EtonogestrelEthinyl estradiol and etonogestrel vaginal ring is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy...learn more »
Etonogestrel (implant)Etonogestrel implant is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. The medicine is contained in a small plastic rod that is implanted into the skin of your...learn more »
Drospirenone And Ethinyl EstradiolDrospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary...learn more »
Ethinyl Estradiol And DesogestrelEthinyl estradiol and desogestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary)...learn more »
Ethinyl Estradiol And Levonorgestrel (extended-cycle)Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle is a combination drug that contains female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an...learn more »
Ethinyl Estradiol And LevonorgestrelEthinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ova...learn more »
Ethinyl Estradiol And NorethindroneEthinyl estradiol and norethindrone is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovar...learn more »
Mestranol And NorethindroneMestranol and norethindrone is a combination drug that contains female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medicatio...learn more »