Birth Control

You have more birth control options today than your mother or grandmother had. We'll help you navigate the different contraception methods so you're ready to have an informed talk with your doctor.

Morning after pill

Progestin for Emergency Contraception and Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman looking over sanitary napkin packages

Withdrawal Bleeding From Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Contraception Reminders

Using Bedsider's Birth Control Reminder

Fact checked by James Lacy

Teenage girl with the Contraceptive Pill

How Effective Are Oral Contraceptives?

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Explore Birth Control

All How to Choose Contraception Using the Pill Over-the-Counter Types of IUDs Hormonal Methods Permanent Methods Prescription Options Emergency Contraception Condoms When Birth Control Fails Talking About Birth Control

The Affordable Care Act and Contraceptive Benefits

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

A couple laying in bed

Natural Birth Control Methods

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman using app on cellphone

Birth Control Apps: 6 Helpful and Easy-to-Use Options

Fact checked by James Lacy

Couple hugging and looking at seedling

When Fertility Will Return After Stopping Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Birth Control Travel Tips

Birth Control Travel Tips and Advice

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Woman resting head on man's stomach at park

The Standard Days Method as a Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

Woman using iPhone Apps

Using iPhone Apps to Plan Fertility

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Billings Ovulation Method of Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

The United States Supreme Court

How Griswold v. Connecticut Led to Legal Contraception

Fact checked by James Lacy

Woman breastfeeding a baby wrapped in a blue blanket

Lactational Amenorrhea Breastfeeding Method

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Affectionate young man kissing woman while holding hand in bedroom

Risks of Using the Withdrawal or Pull-Out Method

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Tips for Safely Storing Birth Control

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Two happy friends in a coffee shop

An Overview of Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

The 8 Best Birth Control Delivery Services of 2020

Fact checked by James Lacy

Exploring Contraceptives: Solutions for Women

Menstruation tracker

How to Choose Your Natural Family Planning (NFP) Method

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Mixed Race girl reading digital tablet in library

Birth Control Effectiveness Rates and Comparison

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

birth control methods

Birth Control Considerations and Effectiveness

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Woman talking to doctor

5 Things You Need to Know About Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

woman popping out birth control pill out of blister pack

Side Effects to Consider When Choosing Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Young woman sitting on sofa, looking at smartphone

10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Woman holding birth control pills, mid section

Birth Control Method Pregnancy Rates

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Birth Control: Diaphragm (Sexuality Series)

The Beginner's Guide to Barrier Methods

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Young woman holding pack of birth control pills

What to Do If You Miss a Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

High Angle View Contraceptive Pill And Purse Over Pink Background

Does the Pill Actually Cause Cancer?

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Birth control pills would be hard to access for over half a million women and girls if Planned Parenthood is defunded.

Can I Buy Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pills?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Girl buying contraceptive pills in a pharmacy

How to Switch to a New Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Young woman holding birth control pills

Can Taking the Birth Control Pill While Pregnant Hurt My Baby?

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman holding birth control pills

Can You Get Pregnant If You Miss a Pill?

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

how the pill works

How the Pill Works to Prevent Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Facts About the Pill

Must Know Facts About The Pill

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Types of Birth Control Pills

Types of Combination Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Contraceptive pill

Birth Control Pills and High Blood Pressure

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman holding birth control pills

Do You Ovulate on the Pill?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

A young woman holding her birth control on her lap

The Little Known Benefits of the Pill

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH

Woman holding birth control pills

The Pros and Cons of the Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

overweight woman with birth control pills

The Facts About Obesity and Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Oral contraceptive pill on pharmacy counter.

Does the Contraceptive Pill Cause IBD?

Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD

Using the Pill to Skip Your Period

Skipping Your Period With the Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Teenage girl with the Contraceptive Pill

10 Common Myths About the Pill and Contraception

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

birth-control pill with date of calendar background, health care and medicine concept

Daylight Saving Time and Your Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

A woman looking at her birth control pills

The Role of Progestin in Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Assorted contraceptive pills in their packaging

Types of Progestin in Combination Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Woman holding contraceptive pills

When You Should Take Your Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Woman taking birth control pill

Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Complications

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman holding up birth control

Find out How Effective the Birth Control Pill Is

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Birth Control Pills

When You Forget to Take Your Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Birth Control Pills

A Brief History of the Birth Control Pill

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

woman looking at skin in mirror

The Other Benefits of Oral Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Regular condom and internal condom

What Is a Condom?

By Elizabeth Yuko, PhD

How Spermicides Work as Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) product on purple background

What Is Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)?

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

close up of a today sponge

How to Insert the Today Sponge

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

The Today Contraceptive Sponge

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

The 6 Types of Spermicide

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Buying Over-The-Counter Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Liletta IUD in packaging

Overview of the Liletta IUD

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Everything You Need to Know About Kyleena IUD

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Doctor holding an IUD

What to Expect During Your IUD Removal

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Choosing an IUD: Brands and What to Consider

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Holding an IUD birth control device in hand

IUD Risks and Complications

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

How to Check Your IUD Strings

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

concerned woman in bathroom

What to Do If Your IUD Strings Seem to Be Missing

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman in pain curled up on her bed

Managing Heavy Periods With Mirena IUD

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Woman holding an IUD

IUD Birth Control for Teenagers

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Intrauterine device

Risks of Becoming Pregnant With an IUD

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman holding an IUD

Overview of the IUD Contraceptive Device

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Woman with hands over abdomen and pelvic area

Does the IUD Cause PID and Infertility?

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

Holding an IUD birth control device in hand

IUDs in Nulliparous Women: Safety and Risks

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

IUD's are popular birth control.

How to Be a Candidate for Getting an IUD

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Gynecologist holding an IUD birth control device

What to Expect During an IUD Insertion

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Doctor with coil

An Overview of the ParaGard Copper IUD

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Low-Down on the Mirena (Levonorgestrel IUD)

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

woman balled up on bed with cramps

Learn If Birth Control Can Help With Menstrual Cramps

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Does Birth Control Stop Ovulation?

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Oral contraceptive pills with alarm clock background in time reminder for taking pills.

Continuous Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Prevent Oral Contraceptive Failure

Hormonal Contraceptives as Menorrhagia Treatment

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

A pack of birth control pills

Ethinyl Estradiol: Synthetic Estrogen

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

Woman taking pill in the morning

Treating PMDD With Hormonal Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Amethyst Continuous Birth Control Pill (Generic Lybrel)

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

multiple packs of birth control pills

Hormonal Contraception as a Hirsutism Treatment

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

woman talking to doctor

Risks of Hormonal Contraception After Age 40

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Different birth control methods

Hormonal Birth Control Options

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Semen sample testing container post-vasectomy

Vasectomy: Long-Term Care

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

African American doctor showing patient digital tablet

Does Having a Vasectomy Lower Sex Drive?

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Woman getting her tubes tied

Tubal Ligation Surgery: Preparation, Procedure, Recovery

Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD

Colpotomy preparation

Colpotomy During a Tubal Ligation

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

Doctor discussing over digital tablet with couple

Types of Permanent Birth Control and Sterilization

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

No Scalpel (Or Keyhole) Vasectomy

Overview of a No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Nurse wheeling patient in hospital

Mini-Laparotomy for Tubal Ligation

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Adiana Permanent Birth Control

Adiana Permanent Birth Control (Discontinued)

Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO

Female nurse talking to male patient

Common Myths About Vasectomy

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Nurse talking her patient

How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

Fact checked by James Lacy

Healthcare: Woman in doctor's office for check up.

Having One’s Tubes Tied During Tubal Ligation

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Smiling female doctor talking to woman at hospital

Understanding Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

A doctor talking to patient in exam room

Vasectomy: Overview

Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

Explanation of the Essure Procedure

By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC

Smiling mature doctor talking to woman in hospital

How a Culdoscopy Procedure Works

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Patient sitting on hospital bed, rear view

Possible Complications After a Tubal Ligation

Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD

A young woman holding her birth control

How a Cervical Cap Works

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Lo Loestrin Fe Birth Control Pills: Benefits and Risks

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Nexplanon: What You Should Know About the Birth Control Implant

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Close up of a contraceptive blister

Seasonique Birth Control Pills: What You Should Know

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Doctor showing woman a nuvaring

What to Do If Your NuvaRing Falls Out

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

Doctor holding syringe

How the Noristerat Contraceptive Injection Works

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Pharmacist's hands taking medicines from shelf

Common Birth Control and Contraceptive Options

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Gynecology consultation

How to Use the NuvaRing to Skip Your Period

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Teenager receiving contraceptive injection.

3 Types of Birth Control Shots

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman opening her package of birth control pills

Minimizing Birth Control Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

A patient getting a shot in their arm

Understanding Combined Contraceptive Injections

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Woman's hand holding diaphragm, close-up

Is a Diaphragm the Best Option for Me?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Progestin Only Pills

MiniPill – The Progestin-Only Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

needle syringe into bottle

Spotting and Bleeding With Depo-Provera

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Teenager receiving contraceptive injection.

Facts About Starting and Stopping Depo Provera

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Close-Up Of Blister Pack On Table

Is Yaz the Right Birth Control Option for You?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Birth control pills would be hard to access for over half a million women and girls if Planned Parenthood is defunded.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

A doctor talking to a couple

Male Birth Control Options

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

Advantages and Disadvantages of Depo-Provera

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

What Is Depo-Provera? (The Birth Control Shot)

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman's arm about to be injected with a needle

6 Common Depo-Provera Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Adult woman having injection during visit at female doctor's office

Your First Year of Depo-Provera Use

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Birth control pill blister pack

Beyaz Birth Control Benefits and Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

woman weighing herself while on Depo Provera

Does the Depo-Provera Shot Cause Weight Gain?

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Woman checking date on her birth control

Medication Interactions That Can Cause the Pill to Fail

Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD

Woman taking birth control

Learn More About Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Contraceptive Pill

Femcon Fe Chewable Birth Control Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Gynecology consultation for the nuvaring

How the NuvaRing Works and Its Pros and Cons

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

birth control pills.

Overview of the Natazia Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

A packet of birth control pills

Generic Version of Lybrel for Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Depo Provera Side Effects

Depo Provera Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Young woman holding birth control pills

Combination Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Doctor comforting patient in office

Should You Use Progestin-Only Birth Control?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman putting contraception patch on arm

How to Skip Your Period Using the Ortho Evra Patch

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman holding birth control pills, mid section

How to Use Combination Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

Woman taking birth control

Is It Safe to Skip Periods With Continuous Contraceptives?

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Woman putting on a contraceptive patch

Should You Use the Ortho Evra Patch?

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Sad Hispanic woman sitting at edge of bed

What to Do If You Forget to Take Out Your NuvaRing

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Plan B morning after pill on countertop

Morning-After vs. Abortion Pill

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Next Choice (Generic Plan B)

What You Need to Know About Next Choice One Dose

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

AfterPill Affordable Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Morning-After Pills in plastic

How to Use the Morning-After Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Available morning after pills

Where to Get the Morning-After Pill

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Morning-after pill on a neutral background

Ella for Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

The Emergency Contraception Controversy

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Morning-After Pill Reviews

The Take Action Morning-After Pill

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

How Plan B Works

How Plan B Works Before and After Ovulation

Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD

Woman taking contraceptive pill

My Way Morning-After Pill for Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Morning-After Pills

Plan B One-Step Buying Restrictions

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

How to Use Plan B

How to Use the Plan B Morning-After Pill

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Plan B One-Step

Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Where to Buy Plan B One-Step

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Pro-Choice Demonstration in Houston

The History of Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Emergency contraception options

An Overview of Emergency Contraception

Medically reviewed by Keri Peterson, MD

When to Choose Lubricated Condoms or Not

Medically reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

Close-Up Of Woman Holding Condom Packet

Double Bagging Condoms Can Be Risky

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Young black couple feeling sad after arguing on sofa at home.

Condom Failure, 7 Possible Reasons

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

Banana and a temperature

How to Find the Right Condom Fit

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

How to Measure Your Penis Size

Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

Close-Up Of Man Holding Condom Over Pink Background

Condom Size Chart With Lengths and Widths

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Wondering What Condoms Are Made Of?

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Midsection Of Woman Holding Condom

The Pros and Cons of Spermicidal Lubricant Condoms

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Young couple is smiling and holding condom

Effectiveness of Condoms Against Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Sealed condom in hand on wooden background

10 Condom Myths That Need Clearing Up

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Non-Latex SKYN Condoms Are Made From Polyisoprene

Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS

The young man passes the condom to the woman

Polyurethane as a Latex Condom Alternative

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Cheerful multi-ethnic couple dancing on bed at home

The Scoop on Lambskin Condoms

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Condom with manual from 1813

A Brief History of the Condom – HIV/AIDS

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Close up of colorful condoms

Buying Colored Condoms

Fact checked by James Lacy

Colorful condoms

How to Choose the Right Condom Size

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Sir Richard's Condoms

Sir Richard's Natural Latex Condoms

By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC

Midsection Of Woman Holding Condom While Standing At Home

Lambskin Condoms are for Pregnancy Prevention Only

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

pile of colorful condoms in wrappers

Polyisoprene Condoms for People With Latex Allergies

Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS

Directly Above Shot Of Condom Packets Over Pink Background

11 Condom Types and Styles to Explore

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Womens hands hold intimate grease and a red heart shape on a pink background

Using Additional Lubricant With Lubricated Condoms

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

Different coloured condoms on tubes

How to Use a Condom: 9 Steps for Safety

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

The 9 Best Condoms of 2020

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

RU486 - Abortion Pill

RU486 - The Abortion Pill

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Happy couple being intimate

7 Ways to Make Your Birth Control More Effective

Medically reviewed by Keri Peterson, MD

Overweight woman on bathroom scales

Birth Control Methods for Overweight Women

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Birth control failure

Pregnancy on Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Obesity and Contraception Effectiveness

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH

Contraception, patch

What to Do If Your Contraceptive Patch Falls Off

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH

Woman Checking Pregnancy Test Kit

Birth Control Failure & Unplanned Pregnancy Help

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

crisis pregnancy centers

Beware of Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD

Abortion laws for minors vary greatly by state.

Abortion Laws for Teens by State

By Denise Witmer

Woman holding home pregnancy test and looking worried

Preventing Birth Control Failure

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH

Doctor explaining prescription medication to patient in clinic

Process for a Medical Abortion: RU486 Pill Use

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Check up visit in doctor's office

Early Abortion Machine Vacuum Aspiration Procedure

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

Woman looking at pregnancy test

How Do You Interpret Birth Control Failure Rates?

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Aspirin as a Birth Control Method and Other Myths

Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD

Romantic couple embracing at kitchen island

Sexual Abstinence As Birth Control: What You Should Know

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

calendar page with female hand holding pen on desk table

Fertility: Your Most Fertile Days Ovulation Predictor

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Businesswoman listening to client during meeting in office conference room

The Purpose of Using Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD

woman talking with doctor

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Birth Control

Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD

A pregnancy test laying on a bathroom sink

10 Birth Control Myths You Shouldn't Believe

Medically reviewed by Jenny Sweigard, MD

Woman holding contraceptive pills

What to Know About Birth Control Pills

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Young couple relaxing on their balcony, embracing

How to Prevent Pregnancy With the Right Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD