Contraception

After experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, some individuals begin thinking about future pregnancy prevention. Others may simply want to better understand their contraceptive options moving forward.

Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. There are many approaches available, and each person’s needs, health history, and preferences are different. Learning about the range of options can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

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Male Condoms

Male Condoms

What is a male condom? The male condom is a sheath that is rolled over the penis to prevent semen…
Lunelle Monthly Injection

Lunelle Monthly Injection

Lunelle is no longer available in the United States. This medication was recalled due to a concern with the effectiveness of…
What is a Diaphragm?

What is a Diaphragm?

A diaphragm is a soft rubber dome-shaped barrier that covers the cervix in order to prevent sperm from entering into…
Female Condom

Female Condom

What is a female condom? The female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane or latex that fits inside the vagina.…
Lubrication

Lubrication

Inadequate lubrication may require either more extensive foreplay during sexual relations or a treatment option such as a water-soluble lubricant.…
Birth Control Failure Rate Percentages

Birth Control Failure Rate Percentages

Different methods of birth control can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but birth control failure is more common than…
Depo-Provera: Quarterly Injection

Depo-Provera: Quarterly Injection

What is Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera is an injection containing the synthetic hormone progestin which is called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Depo-Provera is a hormonal…
Birth Control Patch

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a thin plastic patch (1 3/4 inch square) placed directly on a woman’s skin. It…
Why Has My Period Changed?

Why Has My Period Changed?

Birth control pills use hormones to regulate ovulation and switching brands or types may affect your menstrual cycle. Tracking your…
Cervical Cap

Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is not a method of birth control that is widely used, and very few health care providers recommend…
Emergency Contraception: Morning After Pill

Emergency Contraception: Morning After Pill

Often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” it is a high dose of certain types of the birth control pill, made…
Types of Birth Control

Types of Birth Control

Contraception is a term used for methods of preventing pregnancy and is often referred to as birth control. From methods,…
Spermicide

Spermicide

Spermicide is a chemical product that comes in the form of a jelly, foam, or cream and is a barrier method…
Vaginal Ring

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a soft, flexible piece of plastic that contains synthetic hormones to be absorbed inside the vagina.…
Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills also called oral contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. What are the different kinds of birth…
Contraceptive Sponge

Contraceptive Sponge

The contraceptive sponge, also known as the birth control sponge, is a soft saucer-shaped device made from polyurethane foam. The…
Pregnancy After Vasectomy

Pregnancy After Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a procedure that many married couples choose as a form of birth control. This is a procedure…
Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation

Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a procedure that one in four married couples will choose as a form of birth control. Otherwise…
Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine Devices

What is a Intrauterine Device: IUD? An Intrauterine device is a T-shaped piece of plastic placed inside the uterus. The piece…
Exploring Your Options: How Effective is a Vasectomy?

Exploring Your Options: How Effective is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a permanent male sterilization procedure. This simple surgery can be performed by a doctor in an office,…
Navigating Vasectomy Recovery: 5 Expert Tips

Navigating Vasectomy Recovery: 5 Expert Tips

While the vasectomy procedure itself is typically quick and has a high success rate , proper aftercare and understanding of…
The Benefits of Abstinence

The Benefits of Abstinence

Abstinence means different things to different people. Most consider abstinence to mean not having vaginal intercourse, particularly to preserve virginity.…
What is Abstinence?

What is Abstinence?

Abstinence simply means not having sex, and refraining from sexual intercourse. For most people, abstinence is the absence of sexual…
Natural Family Planning: Fertility Awareness Method

Natural Family Planning: Fertility Awareness Method

Natural Family Planning, also called fertility awareness is a method of birth control that does not use any drugs or devices.…
How to Avoid Pregnancy

How to Avoid Pregnancy

5 Keys to Avoiding Pregnancy If your goal is to avoid pregnancy, it’s essential to know how pregnancy happens. Here…
Withdrawal Method as Birth Control

Withdrawal Method as Birth Control

The withdrawal method as a means of birth control requires removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. The…

Birth Control Pills, Patches & Devices

Birth Control Procedures

Abstinence

Natural Family Planning

Choosing What Feels Right for You

Moving Forward

Whether you are seeking short-term protection or long-term prevention, gathering accurate medical information can help you make confident choices. You may also wish to explore: Support and medically accurate information are available as you consider your next steps.

You Are Not Alone in This Decision

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