Birth control statistics
Find your birth control here:
About the pill
How do the artificial hormones in birth control pills work?
Is it mandatory to use another birth control type while on the pill?
Why have my periods stopped?
I forgot to take my pill. What do I do?
Can I use the birth control pill to change the date of my period?
Why have I been spotting and having irregular bleeding?
Can I still get pregnant while taking the birth control pill every day?
I didn't know that I was pregnant and continued taking my birth control pills. Can this hurt my baby?
How long after stopping the pill should I wait to get pregnant?
What are some common side effects and health risks of the pill?
Is there anyone who shouldn't use the birth control pill?
What if I smoke? Can I still use the pill?
Is it mandatory to use another birth control type while on the pill?
Why have my periods stopped?
I forgot to take my pill. What do I do?
Can I use the birth control pill to change the date of my period?
Why have I been spotting and having irregular bleeding?
Can I still get pregnant while taking the birth control pill every day?
I didn't know that I was pregnant and continued taking my birth control pills. Can this hurt my baby?
How long after stopping the pill should I wait to get pregnant?
What are some common side effects and health risks of the pill?
Is there anyone who shouldn't use the birth control pill?
What if I smoke? Can I still use the pill?

About Depo-Provera
What is Depo-Provera and how does it work?
How effective is Depo-Provera?
Can Depo-Provera affect your chances of becoming pregnant?
Who can use the shot?
Who should not use the shot?
What are some possible side effects of Depo-Provera?
How effective is Depo-Provera?
Can Depo-Provera affect your chances of becoming pregnant?
Who can use the shot?
Who should not use the shot?
What are some possible side effects of Depo-Provera?
About the IUD
What is an intrauterine device?
How does it work?
For how long is the Mirena IUD effective?
How do I know the Mirena IUD is still there?
What are the disadvantages?
How does it work?
For how long is the Mirena IUD effective?
How do I know the Mirena IUD is still there?
What are the disadvantages?

About the vaginal ring
What is an vaginal ring?
How do I use the NuvaRing?
How effective is the vaginal ring?
What should I do if the NuvaRing comes out?
What if I leave the NuvaRing in for too long?
How do I remove the vaginal ring?
What are some side effects of the vaginal ring?
How do I use the NuvaRing?
How effective is the vaginal ring?
What should I do if the NuvaRing comes out?
What if I leave the NuvaRing in for too long?
How do I remove the vaginal ring?
What are some side effects of the vaginal ring?

About the contraceptive patch
What is the contraceptive patch?
How do I use the patch?
What are the side effects of Ortho Evra?
Will my activities have to change while using the patch?
What if my patch falls off?
What if I forget to change my patch on my scheduled change day?
How do I use the patch?
What are the side effects of Ortho Evra?
Will my activities have to change while using the patch?
What if my patch falls off?
What if I forget to change my patch on my scheduled change day?
About Plan B
What is Plan B?
How does Plan B work?
How soon after unprotected sex should I take the morning-after pill?
What are the side effects of Plan B ?
Who should not use the morning-after pill?
How does Plan B work?
How soon after unprotected sex should I take the morning-after pill?
What are the side effects of Plan B ?
Who should not use the morning-after pill?
About Implanon
What is Implanon?
How does Implanon work?
How is Implanon removed
What are the advantages of Implanon?
Are there any disadvantages to Implanon?
How does Implanon work?
How is Implanon removed
What are the advantages of Implanon?
Are there any disadvantages to Implanon?

How do the artificial hormones in birth control pills work?




Is it mandatory to use another birth control type while on the pill?

Women who are using the mini-pill (Micronor) will need an additional form of birth control for the first cycle (28 days). More importantly, birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using a condom will help to prevent the transmission of many STDs as well as offer you extra protection against pregnancy.



Why have my periods stopped?




I forgot to take my pill. What do I do?

If the missed pill happened during day 15 or 21 of your pill schedule, contact your doctor for instructions. In some cases your doctor may advise you to skip the pill-free/reminder pill week and begin a new package as soon as you finish your current set of birth control pills.



Can I use the birth control pill to change the date of my period?




Why have I been spotting and having irregular bleeding?

Depo-provera users often have irregular bleeding. No periods, light periods and lengthened or heavy periods are all normal side effects of this form of birth control. Women who experience heavy or lengthened periods should bring it to the attention of their health care provider.



Can I still get pregnant while taking the birth control pill every day?




I didn't know that I was pregnant and continued taking my birth control pills. Can this hurt my baby?




How long after stopping the pill should I wait to get pregnant?




What are some common side effects and health risks of the pill?

Common side effects for combination contraceptives can be:
- Weight gain
- Nausea and vomiting (felt for the first few cycles)
- Dizziness
- Increase or decrease in acne
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Loss of libido
- Depression
- Vaginal infections
- Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain
- Stroke
- Heart attacks
- Possibly cervical cancer



Is there anyone who shouldn't use the birth control pill?

The pill does not suit all women. If any of the following apply to you, you may not be able to use hormonal methods of birth control.
- You are, or suspect that you are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding and / or are less than 6 weeks postpartum
- Are over the age of 35
- Smoke
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have active liver disease or a history of liver tumors
- Have a history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or some other condition that puts you at risk of a heart attack
- Have diabetes
- Have breast cancer, history of breast cancer or an abnormal growth in the breast
- Have a history of blood clotting problems
- Have cancer or history of cancer of the reproductive organs
- Have migraines or focal neurologic symptoms



What if I smoke? Can I still use the pill?




What is Depo-Provera and how does it work?




How effective is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is so effective that out of 1,000 women who use it correctly and consistently, only three will become pregnant during the first year of use. The shot will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Using a condom will help to prevent the transmission of many STDs as well as offer you extra protection against pregnancy.



Can Depo-Provera affect your chances of becoming pregnant?




Who can use the shot?

Most women can use the shot. It may be best for you if:
- You want very effective long-lasting birth control
- Cannot take estrogen (Depo-Provera is progestin only)
- Are unable to use other routine barrier methods (like a diaphragm) or take a daily pill
- Current serious blood clotting conditions
- High blood pressure
- High risk for heart disease
- A history of severe depression
- Liver disease, such as hepatitis, abnormal results on liver function tests, or a history of liver tumors



Who should not use the shot?

You should not use Depo-Provera if you:
- Cannot put up with irregular bleeding or loss of your period
- Are taking medicine for Cushing's syndrome
- Are or might be pregnant
- Have a known or suspected breast cancer
- Have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
- Want to become pregnant within the next year



What are some possible side effects of Depo-Provera?

In the first six to twelve months, irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women using Depo-Provera.
Serious problems are rare. Tell your physician immediately if you have:
- Periods become fewer and lighter for most women, and often stop altogether. The longer a woman uses the shot, the more likely her periods will stop. It may take up to a year for periods to return after a woman's last shot.
- Some women will have longer, heavier periods.
- Some may have increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding.
- Women who use the shot may have temporary bone thinning.
- Change in libido
- Change of appetite, weight gain
- Depression
- Hair loss, or increased hair on the face or body
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nervousness, dizziness
- Skin rash or spotty darkening of the skin
- Tender breasts
Serious problems are rare. Tell your physician immediately if you have:
- A new lump in your breast
- Major depression
- Severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
- Unusually heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
- Yellowing of skin or eyes



What is an intrauterine device?




How does it work?




For how long is the Mirena IUD effective?




How do I know the Mirena IUD is still there?




What are the disadvantages?

When you use the IUD there is no protection from AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, these infections can be more serious in women who have an IUD. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chance of getting an infection if you have an IUD. Therefore, Mirena is best for women who have only one long-term sex partner. You should not use the IUD if you're pregnant, if you're allergic to copper, or if you have abnormal bleeding or cancer of the cervix or uterus.



What is an vaginal ring?




How do I use the NuvaRing?

The NuvaRing resides in the vagina for 3 weeks in a row, and then is removed for 1 week for your period to begin. After 1 week, a new ring is inserted, regardless of whether you still have your period.



How effective is the vaginal ring?




What should I do if the NuvaRing comes out?

If the ring does come out and you are aware of it within 3 hours, you should still have complete contraceptive coverage. Rinse the vaginal ring with cool water and re-insert as soon as possible. However, if it has been more than 3 hours or you are unsure of how long the ring has been out, you must use a different birth control method for 7 days.
If the ring is lost, you must insert a new ring on the same schedule as you would have used the lost ring.



What if I leave the NuvaRing in for too long?

If the ring is left for more than 1 extra week (a total of 5 weeks), you should take a home pregnancy test. If the test is negative, re-insert a new ring and use a back-up contraceptive for 7 days.



How do I remove the vaginal ring?

Your period will usually start 2-3 days after removal of the ring.



What are some side effects of the vaginal ring?

Side effects of the NuvaRing are found to be similar to those of the pill and contraceptive patch. These symptoms usually resolve in the first 1-3 months of use.
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular bleeding
- Sudden abdominal pain
- Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Severe leg pain (calf or thigh area)
- Weakness in one side of the body



What is the contraceptive patch?




How do I use the patch?

Ortho Evra can be applied to your buttocks, upper arm, abdomen, or upper torso. DO NOT apply the patch to your breasts. You should apply the patch directly to the skin and press for 10 seconds to make sure it is securely in place. Check the patch daily for placement. The patch is worn for one week, and then removed. A new patch should be immediately placed in a different location. This will decrease the likelihood of skin irritation caused by the patch.
The patch is changed one time per week for three weeks in a row, and then removed for 1 week. This will be the week that your period will start.



How do I use the patch?

The most common side effects are nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding. These symptoms will usually resolve in the first 1-3 months of use.
You should call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
You should call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden abdominal pain
- Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Severe leg pain (calf or thigh area)
- Weakness in one side of the body



Will my activities have to change while using the patch?




What if my patch falls off?

If partial or complete detachment has occurred for more than 24 hours or you are unsure as to how long detachment has been, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You should remove the old patch and apply a new one. Your patch changing schedule is now switched to the day that you applied the new one. In this case, you will need a backup contraceptive for 4 weeks.



What if I forget to change my patch on my scheduled change day?

If you have forgotten your Ortho Evra patch in:
Week 1
Week 1
- Use an alternate form of birth control.
- Apply a new patch as soon as possible.
- Adjust your patch changing schedule so that you change your patch one week from application of the forgotten patch.
- Immediately apply a new patch.
- Backup birth control is not needed.
- Apply the next patch on your usual change day.
- Use another form of birth control for 4 weeks.
- Start a new 4 week cycle by wearing a new patch. Consider this day 1 again and continue to change the patch each week for 3 weeks in a row.
- Adjust your patch changing schedule so that you change your patch one week from application of the forgotten patch.
- Remove the patch as soon as possible.
- Keep your patch change day the same as usual.



What is Plan B?

It is important to know that Plan B is not RU-486 (the abortion pill). Because Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy, it will not work if you are already pregnant, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy. It is not for routine use.



How does Plan B work?




How soon after unprotected sex should I take the morning-after pill?

Since unprotected sex might happen when your doctor's office is closed, getting a prescription for Plan B in advance means that it will be there for you, in time, if you ever need it.



What are the side effects of Plan B ?




Who should not use the morning-after pill?




What is Implanon?




How does Implanon work?




How is Implanon removed?




What are the advantages of Implanon?

- While it can be felt it cannot be seen
- It is inserted very simply after a local anaesthetic numbs the area
- The procedure takes just a few minutes
- Depending when in your cycle Implanon is inserted it can be effective immediately or within 7 days of insertion
- After removal a woman’s ovulation, and fertility, returns to normal within 3 weeks
- It is almost 100% effective
- Removal is usually relatively quick and easy



Are there any disadvantages for Implanon?

- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Acne
- Headaches
- Breast pain
- Possible weight gain

