Birth Control Options: Side Effects, Effectiveness & Safety

For individuals selecting a contraceptive method, understanding the balance between effectiveness, hormonal impacts, and potential side effects is critical for long-term health.

Woman holding birth control pills, mid section

Does Taking Vitamins Affect Birth Control?

Birth control pills are an essential medication for women who wish to delay pregnancy. Taking vitamins with your birth control may affect how well your birth control works.

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How to Stop Nausea Caused By Birth Control

Hormonal birth control contains estrogen, which can make a woman feel nauseated. This nausea can be prevented by making sure to have food in your stomach when you take the pill, but you should also talk to your doctor about other options.

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The Side Effects of Stopping Birth Control

If you are planning to stop using birth control, you might be in for some side effects. The most obvious consequence is that your fertility may improve, increasing your chance of pregnancy. Other potential side effects depend on the person -- and the birth control method.

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Complications of IUD Removal

Complications associated with IUD removal are rare but possible, including dizziness, lost or missing strings, breakage and device displacement.

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Top 10 Best Condoms

Condoms have been around for thousands of years but their design is still evolving to maximize efficacy and enhance physical pleasure. Pretty cool, no?

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Urine sample

How Do AZO Pills Work?

Azo is the brand name for phenazopyridine hydrochloride. It is also available under other names including Uristat and Pyridium. Azo acts as an analgesic within the urinary tract, so it is commonly recommended for individuals with urinary discomfort from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or recent catheter use.

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How to Get Financing for a Tubal Ligation Reversal

Your health insurance may not pay for your tubal ligation reversal surgery as it is considered an elective procedure. If your health insurance will not cover the procedure and you do not have the thousands of dollars to pay for the surgery, you can search for financing.

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Side Effects Days After Plan B

Plan B, also known as the “morning after pill,” is actually two pills that contain the hormone levonorgestrel. The first pill is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; the second pill is taken 12 hours later. A newer formulation--Plan B OneStep--consists of one pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

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Copper IUD Side Effects

The copper intrauterine device (Paragard) consists of a small, T-shaped piece of plastic with fine copper wire wound around it. After insertion into the uterus by a doctor, the device can remain in place for up to 10 years. The IUD is highly effective in preventing pregnancy.

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Exercise After Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a medical procedure where the fallopian tubes are cut or closed as a method of preventing pregnancy. By cutting — or “tying” — these tubes, your eggs are prevented from moving out into the uterus and fertilized.

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Birth control pills and calendar

Do Probiotics Affect Birth Control?

Hormonal contraceptives, including the classic birth control pill, shot, ring, patch and "minipill," are very popular methods for preventing unplanned pregnancy. In general, hormone-based birth control methods are safe and associated with few side effects or drug interactions.

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The Effects of Missing Birth Control Pills

When used correctly, birth control pills are about 99 percent effective when used alone to prevent pregnancy. However, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists report that for typical users, this number is closer to 92 percent. This is because pills may either be forgotten, or not completely absorbed.

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Immediate Side Effects After Having a Mirena Inserted

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. The device is T-shaped and made of plastic. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic female hormone that helps in preventing ovulation, which makes pregnancy unlikely.

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Is it Possible to Take Vitex With Birth Control?

Vitex, a medicinal plant also known as monk's pepper or chasteberry, offers several purported medicinal benefits for women coping with infertility, hormonal disturbances, PMS and breast conditions.

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