Women who have had unprotected sex can limit their risk of becoming pregnant by taking an emergency contraceptive called Plan B. This over-the-counter medication contains the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, which prevents pregnancy by disrupting egg release and fertilization in women.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is an oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, two synthetic forms of female hormones.

As a parent, it's tough to decide whether to give birth control to your sexually active teenager. Even though birth control is a proven method for preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, some parents struggle with moral and ethical implications surrounding the issue.

Talking about sex with your parents isn't easy. But when you decide you are interested in learning more about birth control, your mother can be a valuable source of information and support. Starting the discussion is difficult, but being able to discuss difficult topics with your mom is important.

The Mirena and copper ParaGard intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are the only types approved for contraceptive use in the United States.

Birth control pills are contraceptives that use female hormones to alter a woman's normal menstrual cycle. The pill prevents pregnancy by blocking ovulation, so your ovaries do not release an ovum that can be fertilized and lead to pregnancy.

Dermatologists believe hormones cause acne, and teenagers who get acne as their hormones awaken in puberty probably would agree. But teens aren't the only ones to suffer from pimples--adult women often see breakouts prior to their menstrual periods or when they get pregnant, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Many women who take Depo Provera experience weight gain, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. Since this contraceptive only contains progesterone, which can increase your appetite, you may eat more than usual and then extra pounds can sneak up on you.

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves snipping or blocking the vas deferens, the tube that transmits sperm from the testes to the urethra. When successful, this will prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy is typically performed in the surgeon’s office with local anesthesia.

Iron deficiency frequently occurs in women of childbearing age. Women of reproductive age have higher iron requirements than post-menopausal women or men, because they lose blood every month during their menstrual periods.

Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, contain female hormones that suppress ovulation--the monthly release of an egg from the ovary. Suppressing ovulation prevents pregnancy because without an egg, conception cannot occur.

Birth control pills can be obtained easily without insurance, but the cost may be high. Having health insurance can reduce the cost of the cervical exam that is performed once per year before a prescription for birth control is provided. Health insurance can also reduce the cost of the pills themselves.