See the mechanics, side effects, and failure rates for common birth control methods in this illustrated slideshow from WebMD's medical editors. Withdrawal, hormones, the IUD, and many more are explained with pictures.
What are your options? Here’s a high-level rundown. There are many birth control methods available today. Pregnancy prevention is the goal for each type, but they work in different ways. Here are some of the most popular options:
Discusses a birth control vaccine that prevents pregnancy being tested and refined by immunologist G.P. Talwar of the National Institute of Immunology. Absence of major side effects; Fertility as not jeopardized; Questionable political...
The birth control implant, available in over 100 countries, is a highly effective form ofhormonal birth controlthat many people find to be a convenient method of preventing pregnancy. The implant is inserted into the arm and can be kept for up to five years.1Using a synthetic version of the...
The birth control patch is a small, sticky square that you wear on your arm, back, lower belly, or elsewhere on your body. Also called a transdermal patch, it sends hormones similar to those in birth control pills or the vaginal ring into your system through your skin. You might also ...
Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red. You have severe pain, numbness, or swelling in your arms or legs.When should I call my doctor?You have forgotten to take a birth control pill. You have mood changes, such as depression, since starting ...
Hormonal methods use hormones, typicallyestrogen, progestin, or both, to prevent pregnancy. These birth control options stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. Hormonal methods include: ...
Birth control options are growing for women 40 and older - a group that once viewed its choices as pretty much limited to tube-tying surgery and condoms. For them, the pill is back. So is the IUD. The reason is that both are safer. There's even a nonsurgical method of tube-tying. ...
There are several types of birth control available in the U.S. Each form of birth control has a varying level of effectiveness and varying side effects.
How Is the Birth Control Patch Used? The birth control patch is applied to the skin and left in place for a week. The patch is extremely easy to use. You can either stick it to the skin of your buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or back. Make sure to avoid oils, lotions, and ...