The pill prevents ovulation, which is the release of eggs from the ovaries. It also causes thickening of the cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the cervix and affects the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of the pregnancy.
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| How effective is the Pill? |
Among perfect users (women who miss no pills and follow instructions perfectly), only about 1 in 1000 women will become pregnant over the first year of use. Among typical users, about 3 to 5 in 100 women will become pregnant over one year of use. Pregnancy rates during typical use are based on the number of missed pills and delay in starting the next pill pack.
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Am I a good candidate for the Pill? |
Most healthy women of reproductive years are good candidates for the pill regardless of prior pregnancy history if interested in birth control and are able to take a pill every day. This includes teens, overweight or underweight women, diabetics without underlying heart disease, women with family history of breast cancer, women over 35 who are non-smokers, and smokers under 35 (however, it is best NOT to take the pill and smoke!) The pill does NOT protect from sexually transmitted diseases particularly HIV. If this is a concern you should also use a condom
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What should I know about using the birth control shot (depo provera)
| What is “the Shot”? |
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injectable form of birth control given by your health care provider every 3 months. It is injected into either your upper arm or buttocks. The next shot should be scheduled in 12 weeks—this gives you a week or two of flexibility if you are unable to keep that appointment.
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| What is “the Shot”? |
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injectable form of birth control given by your health care provider every 3 months. It is injected into either your upper arm or buttocks. The next shot should be scheduled in 12 weeks—this gives you a week or two of flexibility if you are unable to keep that appointment. |
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| How does the Shot work? |
| It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It thickens the mucus around the cervix preventing sperm from entering the cervix and alters the lining of the womb to inhibit implantation of the pregnancy. |
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| How effective is the Shot? |
| Depo-Provera is more than 99% effective. Of every 1,000 women who use this method, 3 will become pregnant during first year of use. This is one of the most effective forms of birth control. |
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| Am I a good candidate for the Shot? |
Depo-Provera is worth considering if you want long term contraception without following a daily routine. Since protection is maintained from a shot every 3 months, it allows for sexual spontaneity. It may also be a good choice for you if you cannot remember take a pill everyday or if you cannot use birth control containing estrogen (i.e. you are over 35 and a smoker or have a history of blood clots. ) It is also a good choice if you do NOT plan to become pregnant in the near future and want a reliable form of birth control other than the pill. The shot does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases particularly HIV. If this is a concern you should use a condom as well. |
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| Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t use the Shot? |
| Most women of any age needing birth control can use Depo-Provera. A woman should not use the shot if she has history of: |
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active liver disease |
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current or past history of breast cancer |
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unexplained vaginal bleeding |
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| * The final decision is between you and your doctor. |
What is “the Diaphragm”? |
| The diaphragm is a round rubber dome that fits inside a woman’s vagina and covers her cervix. It must be used with spermicide (a sperm-killing cream or jelly). |
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| How does the Diaphragm work? |
| The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control that prevents pregnancy by placing a physical and chemical “wall” between the sperm and the cervix. It must always be used with a spermicidal cream or jelly. Be sure that the jelly or cream you purchase is a spermicide containing nonoxynol-9. |
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| How effective is the Diaphragm? |
| The diaphragm is NOT the most effective form of birth control. Effectiveness includes the use of spermicide. Among perfect users (women who use the diaphragm EVERY time they have sex), about 6 in 100 women (6%) is expected to become pregnant over the first year of use. Among typical users, 18 in 100 women will become pregnant over one year of use. However, using a condom along with the diaphragm will increase the effectiveness AND provide protection from sexually transmitted disease. |
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| Am I a good candidate for the Diaphragm? |
| The diaphragm is worth considering if you cannot or prefer not to use hormonal birth control. You must be able to use it every time you have sex. |
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| Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t use the Diaphragm? |
| The diaphragm may not be a good choice for you if you are unlikely to use it correctly every time you have sex. You may not be able to use it if you or your partner is sensitive to the chemicals used in spermicides or has a latex allergy. You may have a higher failure rate if you have intercourse three or more times per week. |
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| What are the most common side effects of the Diaphragm? |
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increased risk of urinary tract infections. |
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yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. |
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sensitivity due to latex allergy. |
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| What are the benefits of the Diaphragm? |
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almost no side effects and does not effect your hormonal pattern |
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lower risk of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix |
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| How do I use a Diaphragm? |
Here are the basic instructions for inserting a diaphragm:
- Wash your hands carefully with soap and water before inserting the diaphragm. Apply spermicidal cream or jelly around the rim and inside the dome of the diaphragm. The spermicide must be on the side of the diaphragm facing or in contact with the cervix. It also can be placed on both sides.
- Squeeze the rim of the diaphragm between your fingers and insert it into your vagina. When the diaphragm is pushed up as far as it will go, the front part of the rim should be up behind a bone you can feel in front of your pelvis (the pubic bone). Tuck the front rim of the diaphragm up as far as it will comfortably go.
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Check to see if your cervix is covered. To do this, reach inside and touch your cervix. The cervix feels something like the tip of your nose. After the diaphragm is in place, the cervix should be completely covered by the rubber dome.
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| What is “the IUD”? |
| The IUD is a small, plastic device that is inserted by a physician / practitioner and left inside the uterus. Although there have been several types of IUDs, currently only two are available in the United States. Both are T-shaped and have a string at the base of the T that will extend trough the cervix and lie in the vaginal canal. The copper IUD releases a small amount of copper into the uterus and may remain in your body for up to 10 years. The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of the hormone progesterone into the uterus, but must be replaced every year. |
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| How does the copper IUD work? |
| It primarily prevents pregnancy by interfering with the movement of sperm thus preventing fertilization of the egg. The copper IUD prevents fertilization as well as affecting the lining of the uterus so implantation will not occur. |
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| How effective is the copper IUD? |
| The IUD is extremely effective. During the first year of use, 8 out of 1000 women will become pregnant with the Copper T. |
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| Am I a good candidate for the copper IUD? |
| The copper IUD is best suited for women with families who want convenient, effective, reversible contraception. It is recommended for women who have at least one child, are in a stable, mutually faithful relationship (to minimize chance of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases that might cause pelvic inflammatory disease) and have no history or suspicion of pelvic infection. |
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| Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t use the copper IUD? |
For some women, certain conditions can increase the chance of having problems with the IUD. The IUD may NOT be a good choice if you have:
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| What is “tubal ligation”? |
Tubal ligation is a surgical form of sterilization. It is a permanent form of birth control. During the surgery, the fallopian tubes are blocked; this can be done by tying, sealing, or attaching a ring or clip to them. This procedure can be performed postpartum (at time of cesarean section or within 48 hours after vaginal delivery) or as an interval procedure (performed six weeks after delivery or at any time not related to pregnancy). Postpartum tubal ligation is performed through a small incision under the navel. Interval tubal ligation can be performed through a small bikini type incision or by a technique called laparoscopy. During laparoscopy, the doctor uses an instrument-like telescope, called a laparoscope, to look at the pelvic organs and to block the fallopian tubes. |
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| How does tubal ligation work? |
| Tubal ligation permanently blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot move down the tube and the sperm cannot reach the egg, therefore pregnancy cannot occur. |
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| How effective is tubal ligation? |
Tubal ligation is 99.20 effective. If a woman does get pregnant after sterilization, there is a greater chance that it is a tubal pregnancy. Failure of the procedure is more likely if a woman is relatively young, because younger woman are more fertile than older women. |
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| Am I a good candidate for tubal ligation? |
Tubal ligation is ideal for those women who are certain they wish no further children and need a reliable contraceptive method. If you are considering tubal ligation, you and your partner should discuss vasectomy, a sterilization procedure performed on men. Compared to female sterilization, vasectomy is simpler, safer, less expensive, and more (99.9%) effective. It is performed under local anesthesia by a urologist. |
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| Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t have a tubal ligation? |
Tubal ligation is a permanent procedure. You and your partner should be absolutely sure that you do not want anymore children—now or in the future. If there is any chance that you might want to have children in the future, you should think about using another method of birth control. There may be a greater chance that you will regret your decision if:
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you are young |
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you are recently divorced or in an unstable marriage |
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your life circumstances are changing |
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you are unhappy with other reversible methods of birth control performed in the immediate postpartum period; it should be delayed if there is any issue with your baby’s health |
Although in some cases tubal ligation can be reversed, it is a difficult and expensive operation not covered by health insurance. Afterwards there is a greater risk of ectopic pregnancy. Tubal ligation, in general, is an elective procedure and should be delayed if there is any uncertainty. Laparoscopic tubal ligation is not right for all women. If you have had prior abdominal surgery, are very overweight, or have medical or gynecologic problems, a larger incision and hospital stay may be required.
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| What are the risks of tubal ligation? |
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operative complications |
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Laparoscopic sterilization rarely has any major complications. Serious complications, such as infections, bowel injuries, bleeding, burns, or complications from anesthesia, occur in about 1 in every 1,000 women who have the operation. |
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sterilization failure |
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Pregnancy can occur after surgical sterilization, but the risk is very low. Less than 1% of women who have the procedure will ever become pregnant. |
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ectopic pregnancy |
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Those women who do get pregnant after sterilization are more likely to have a tubal pregnancy. |
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| * The final decision is between you and your doctor. |
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| What are the benefits of tubal ligation? |
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safe, operative procedure |
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permanent |
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very effective |
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no effect on the menstrual cycle |
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no effect on sexual activity or need for partner compliance |
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slightly lower risk of ovarian cancer |
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| What should I expect on the day of my laparoscopic tubal ligation? |
The operation takes place in an outpatient surgical suite. Consent for the surgical procedure will be obtained by your doctor. When you sign this you are stating that you understand the risks and benefits of the operation itself, understand that the procedure is NOT 100% effective for birth control, and that you are aware of appropriate alternatives.
An intravenous line will be started to give you fluids during the operation. General anesthesia is necessary for the laparoscopic procedure, so you will be asleep during the operation. After anesthesia is given, a small incision about half an inch long is made in the skin just below the navel. Carbon dioxide is used to swell the abdomen so the pelvic reproductive organs can be seen more clearly. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through the incision. This instrument has a bright light and lens like a tifl telescope that allows the surgeon to see into the abdomen. A second instrument is inserted either through the laparoscope or through a small second incision made near the pubic hairline. The fallopian tubes are grasped and sealed by using bands, clips, or electrocoagulation (electricity). With electrocoagulation, an electric current is used to burn and block the tubes. After the procedure, the instruments are removed and the gas is released. The incisions are then closed. You will be observed for a short time to be sure that everything is all right. Most women are ready to go home 2-4 hours after the procedure. |
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| Are there any warning signs I should look out for after the surgery? |
Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems:
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| What is “the Morning-after Pill”? |
Emergency contraception more commonly known as “the morning-after pill” is two large doses of hormones, similar to the ones in the birth control pill. The first dose must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse, followed by a second dose 12 hours later. It is meant only as a back-up method of birth control to be used on an emergency basis only if you believe there has been a failure in your current method of birth control (i.e. when a condom breaks, if you have missed 2 or more days of the pill, etc). |
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| How does the Morning-after Pill work? |
| The morning-after pill will prevent or delay the release of an egg from the ovary if given prior to ovulation, or it will help prevent the egg from traveling down the fallopian tubes and implanting in the uterus if you have already ovulated. The morning-after pill reduces the chance of getting pregnant; it does NOT cause an abortion. |
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| How effective is the Morning-after Pill? |
The morning-after pill is approximately 98-99% effective. However, the statistics of being pregnant rests greatly on where you are in your menstrual cycle. You are only fertile at the time of ovulation. If 100 women each had a single act of unprotected intercourse on one day in the middle of their cycle and then take the morning-after pill, only 2 to 3 will get pregnant. |
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| Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t use the Morning-after Pill? |
| Yes, if you are currently pregnant. The morning-after pill will not work if you are already pregnant. Otherwise, the morning-after pill is safe for most women. The final decision is between you and your doctor. |
| What are the most common side effects of the Morning-after Pill? |
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irregular bleeding |
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Women using the morning-after pill may experience a change in their next period. It may come early, on time, or be late. Most women will get their period 7 to 9 days after treatment. If your period has not occurred by 21 days after treatment, you should should repeat a pregnancy test. |
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nausea |
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Half of women using this method will experience nausea and some will have vomiting. Take the morning-after pill with food to minimize this side effect. When vomiting occurs due to the morning-after pill it probably indicates that enough hormone has reached the blood stream to have its desired effect. There is no need to repeat the dose. |
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ectopic pregnancy |
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If the morning-after pill fails to prevent pregnancy, there is an increased chance it is a tubal pregnancy. |
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other |
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Common side effects include breast tenderness, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Since the morning-after pill is a short-term treatment, these symptoms should resolve shortly after you complete the two doses. |
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| What are the benefits of the Morning-after Pill? |
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offers a second chance if you have had unprotected or inadequately protected sex |
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no increased risk for birth defects if taken by a woman already pregnant or the method fails |
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not dangerous to use several times; however, you should not count on the morning-after pill as ongoing contraception because they are not as effective as other forms of birth control. It is intended for one-time emergency protection |
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| How do I take the Morning-after Pill? |
The morning-after pill is provided in 2 doses. Take the first dose within 72 hours of unprotected sex, followed by the second dose 12 hours later. Use a back-up method until your next period. Do NOT have unprotected sex after treatment. Your next period may be early, on time, or late. If your period does not come within 21 days of treatment, you may be pregnant and you should repeat a pregnancy test.
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| When can I start birth control after taking the Morning-after Pill? |
You should start using a method such as condoms immediately after you start the morning-after pill. If you desire to start a hormonal form of birth control, such as the pill or the shot, the best time to start is when your have your period. |
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| Does the morning-after pill cause birth defects if it fails and I do get pregnant? |
There is no increased risk of birth defects if you take the morning-after pill and still become pregnant or even if you are pregnant when you take it. We will give you a pregnancy test before dispensing it to you, mostly because this the method will not be effective if you are already pregnant. |
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| Does the morning-after pill cause infertility? |
| There is no effect on your future chances of getting pregnant. Your fertility returns after your next period. |
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