Ovarian cysts: No biggie, but birth control can help
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By: health
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May 9, 2012
Patients almost always have the same look on their face when we talk about ovarian cysts. It’s that look of, “OMG, I have a ticking time-bomb in my pelvis!” I worry that they imagine a giant green blob growing larger and larger inside them, like a Chia pet , that might one day suddenly explode. […]
Earth Day Reminder: Birth Control is Green!
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By: health
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April 20, 2012
Kirsten Moore is a consultant for the Reproductive Health Technologies Project (RHTP). It’s almost Earth Day and you’re thinking about what you can do to help the planet. An article blaming your birth control pill for a plethora of environmental woes, from intersex fish to male prostate cancer, shows up in your twitter feed. So, […]
Risky business 2: Migraines, high blood pressure, and blood clots
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By: health
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March 1, 2012
I’ve written before that accidental pregnancy is the most serious health risk of many birth control methods. But there are other risks to consider, too. All modern methods of birth control can have positive and negative side effects—Bedsider has information about both for each method. Hopefully anyone who wants to avoid a pregnancy can find […]
The FDA weighs in on blood clots and birth control
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By: health
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December 14, 2011
We’ve written before about concerns that some brands of the pill (along with the patch ) carry a higher risk of blood clots than others. Last week, the FDA officially concluded that the benefits of the brands in question outweigh the drawbacks, but that their labels should be updated to warn of the higher blood […]
Birth control spotlight: The patch
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By: health
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December 2, 2011
It sticks to you. It auto-magically sends hormones through your skin. It keeps you from getting pregnant. What else is there to know about the patch? Lots. Like it only comes in one color. (Hello, beige.) It doesn’t work well for women who weigh more than 198 lbs. And you have never, ever seen anything […]
Pill good news and bad news
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By: health
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October 31, 2011
There was good news and not-so-good news for the pill this week. First, the good news: a new study confirms that women who have ever taken the pill—even for just a few years—have long-lasting protection from ovarian cancer. Previous research has shown that the pill also protects against uterine cancer and that, contrary to popular […]
Check, please
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By: health
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October 14, 2011
First day on new birth control? Excited to hit the sheets and put your method to good use? Ready… Get set… Not so fast. original post
Scott, 29, the patch
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By: health
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October 11, 2011
Scott and his girlfriend started with condoms until they both got tested for STIs. After that, she started with birth control pills , but moved on to the patch . He thinks it’s more convenient than having to take a pill every day. At first he was concerned about whether it would stick on her […]
How to get a prescription filled
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By: health
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April 15, 2011
We love that you’re taking charge of your life and getting a prescription filled, but we know it can be a little confusing your first time. Here are the basics: Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or clinic counselor) will give you a slip of paper (the prescription or script) that includes your name, the […]
All about prescription birth control
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By: health
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June 18, 2010
The IUD , the implant , and sterilization . To get the most effective birth control methods—an IUD, the implant, or, if you’re looking for something permanent, sterilization—you have to visit a health care provider. (BTW, we can help you find one here .) Visiting a provider might seem like a pain, but for women […]