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.

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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Antibabypille

Birth Control Pill Ingredients

There are numerous birth control pill choices. According to RxList.com, oral contraceptives contain some form of synthetic female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Synthetic progesterone is called progestin. Each manufacturer may have a different blend. The pill can be progestin or estrogen only, or a combination.

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How to Get Pregnant After the Depo Shot

Depo-Provera is the only injectable contraceptive approved for use in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. It contains a high dose of progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. After receiving the shot, a woman should not become pregnant for up to three months.

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How to Get Birth Control Pills Without Insurance

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.

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How to Know If You Need to Switch Birth Control Pills

Knowing when to switch birth control pills can be fairly obvious for some women. Other women may not realize the effect her pills are having on her and continue taking them. Annual appointments with a health-care professional are important in helping a woman identify potential reasons to change birth control pills.

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