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Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs (intrauterine devices) are small T-shaped plastic devices that is placed in the uterus for birth control. Currently in the United States, two types of IUDs are available, copper (ParaGard) and hormonal (Skyla or Mirena). Side effects include heavier periods and worsening menstrual cramps and irregular periods. -
Vaginal Bleeding
Learn about what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting in between periods), including hormonal disorders, benign or malignant tumors, blood clotting disorders, certain medications, and infections. -
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. -
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 Behavioral Methods
The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Behavioral methods that don't use hormones such as birth control pills or mechanical devices such as condoms are in use throughout the world, especially in underdeveloped nations. -
Birth Control FAQs
The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Your choice of birth control method involves factors such as how easy it is to use, safety, risks, cost, and personal considerations. Each form of birth control has its own advantages and disadvantages. -
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. -
Can Sperm Survive in Menstrual Blood
Yes. It’s possible to become pregnant if you have unprotected sex while on your period because sperm can survive for up to five days in a woman’s reproductive system, even if a woman is menstruating. -
Home Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests are kits that contain a test to determine if a female is pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter (OTC) and do not need a prescription. There are a variety of home pregnancy tests available. The accuracy of home pregnancy tests depend upon how well instructions are followed, and how the test kit was used. A pregnancy test performed in a doctor's office is the most accurate test to determine if you are pregnant. -
Birth Control Hormonal Methods
Hormonal types and of options for birth control, and include patches, rings, implants, injections, and the birth control pill. Common side effects of hormonal methods of birth control are headaches, anxiety, acne, weight gain, mood changes, decrease in sex drive, heart attack, and stroke. No birth control methods is 100% effective, nor does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). -
How Long After Depo Shot Can Have Unprotected Sex
A woman may be able to have unprotected sex as soon as she gets the Depo shot, depending on when during her cycle the shot is given. If the first shot is administered within the first 7 days after the start of a woman’s period, she is protected from pregnancy immediately and can have unprotected sex right away. -
How Many Days After Your Period Do You Ovulate
Ovulation usually occurs between day 11 and day 21 of the menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of the last period. Ovulation usually lasts one day, can happen any time during this window, and it’s not always the same each month. Women who have menstrual cycles on the shorter side tend to be more likely to ovulate closer to day 11. Women with longer menstrual cycles may ovulate closer to day 21. -
How Soon Will A Pregnancy Test Read Positive
Pregnancy tests may be taken after a woman’s menstrual period is late. Implantation bleeding happens at 6 to 12 days into the pregnancy when the fertilized egg attaches to the inner lining of the uterus, causing light vaginal bleeding. About four to five days after implantation bleeding, pregnancy hormones in the body reach detectable levels in the blood. For at-home urine pregnancy tests, it may take up to 7 days post-implantation to reach detectable levels for testing. -
Implantation Bleeding vs Period
Implantation bleeding is an early sign of pregnancy that occurs when a 6 to 12-day-old fertilized egg attaches to the inner lining of the uterus, resulting in light vaginal bleeding or spotting. A menstrual period is when blood and tissue from the uterus is expelled through the vagina. In most women, this happens monthly. -
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. -
What Does Birth Control Do to Your Body
Side effects of birth control depend on which method you use. Side effects of hormonal birth control such as the pill, patch, ring, or injection include nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes. -
Fastest Way to Get Rid of Period Cramps
The quickest ways to get rid of period cramps are to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, do some light exercise, and apply heat to the lower abdomen. Period cramps (also called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea) are a common occurrence in women in their reproductive years. -
When to Take a Pregnancy Test If You Have PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition in women in which levels of androgens (male hormones) are elevated, resulting in irregular menstrual periods because monthly ovulation is not occurring. Women with PCOS are usually advised not to take pregnancy tests before a missed period and to avoid using “early result” pregnancy tests because false negatives are more likely to occur with those types of tests.
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Spermicides: Birth Control 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.