Which birth control method will help reduce my cramps?
Most women who use hormonal birth control–the pill, the ring, the shot, the patch, the implant, or a hormonal IUD–will have less painful periods than those who don’t. This is because these methods of birth control make the lining of the uterus thinner. There’s less tissue in the uterus to shed, so periods are lighter. […]
Yup, the pill prevents uterine cancer
Uterine cancer is common. Among women in the U.S., it’s the fourth most common type of cancer —about one in 35 women will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. (BTW, uterine cancer is also sometimes called endometrial cancer since it often starts in the lining of the uterus, the endometrium.) But […]
Is there a connection between birth control and Crohn’s disease?
About 2 in 1,000 adults in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease , a long-term inflammation of the small or large intestine. Doctors don’t know for sure what causes the disease, but they know that women are more likely than men to get it. Same with smokers, people living in cities, and people with family members […]
Mail order birth control for a good cause
For years now, people have been able to use the internet to buy the types of birth control typically found in the aisles of a pharmacy, like condoms and spermicide. Now there’s a pioneering project making prescription birth control accessible online. It’s called PRJKT RUBY, and it lets people (ages 18 and up) order the […]
Birth control top 5: What methods do health care professionals use?
Health care providers are just like us! Well, almost… A new study shows what methods of birth control family planning providers in the United States are most likely to use themselves and compares that to what methods are most popular among U.S. women overall. IUDs are big with providers, with 40% of those surveyed saying […]
How to: Birth control and the pharmacy
UPDATE: Pharmacists in Oregon and California can now prescribe and dispense certain kinds of birth control! —- Whether you have a prescription from a health care provider or just need to stock up on condoms , your local pharmacy can be a great resource to keep you protected from pregnancy and STIs. I have my […]
Does birth control cause brain cancer?
Today’s scary headline is about birth control increasing the risk for brain cancer. Let’s take a look at the data behind the headlines . (It’s a lot less scary than it sounds.) First, some definitions Glioma is a general term for several kinds of brain tumors. Together, these tumors make up much of the brain […]
Birth control, by video chat!
UPDATE: Planned Parenthood Care has expanded, and several other telemedicine services are now available. See what’s happening with online health care in your state ! —Planned Parenthood is pioneering a new way for women in Minnesota and Washington to get birth control care: video chat via smartphone app or computer . Women in these two […]
Birth control, you rock our world
What makes it possible for people all over the planet to finish their educations, make a living, and raise healthier children? If you know us at all, you know what’s coming… Birth control ! Couples around the world have been using some form of it for centuries, because having the power to control when you […]
Genes or birth control: What really causes blood clots?
Every few months, the pill and the ring hit the headlines for increasing the risk of blood clots in some women. Health care professionals know this isn’t really news— the link between certain birth control methods and increased risk of blood clots is well-established . Health care professionals also know that a bunch of other […]
