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Side effect spotlight: What’s up with spotting?
For many of us, periods can be an annoyance. But when they’re unpredictable and unruly, they can become a huge burden. Some birth control methods help deal with irregular periods, making cycles more regular or making periods lighter or non-existent . But some birth control can cause unpredictable spotting or bleeding, particularly when you first […]
Can the pill make you choose the wrong guy?
I feel sorry for the pill ; it’s always the scapegoat. Despite providing excellent protection from pregnancy when taken consistently, reducing cramping and bleeding with periods, and having a huge amount of evidence to prove its safety, the pill gets blamed for the strangest things … Today’s example: blaming the pill for choosing the wrong […]
The emergency contraceptive that keeps going… and going…
I’ve written before about our best-laid plans for having protected sex gone awry … It’s pretty common. For anyone who finds herself worried about becoming pregnant the morning after, there are multiple options . The one I want to tell you about today is perhaps the best-kept secret of emergency contraception: the non-hormonal copper intrauterine […]
Where in the world is birth control for men?
Last updated on November 11, 2014. Picture this: a couple is in a committed relationship and they’ve agreed they’re not ready for kids. They talk to each other about birth control and maybe he helps her remember to take her pill. Maybe he’d like to take even more responsibility for birth control…but he’s got scant […]
The common cold of the sexually active world: HPV
One of my patients’ most common questions is, “Um, I’ve got some new bumps…down there. Can you check them out?” First off, if you ever notice something of concern “down there,” please go see your doctor or nurse and get it checked out right away. Often these new bumps are harmless, caused by ingrown hairs. […]
Permanent birth control: So many ways to tie a tube
If you’ve made the decision that having kids isn’t for you, or if you’ve had your fill of reproducing, sterilization is an important option to talk about with your health care provider. Nearly a third of American women who use contraception rely on sterilization for contraception. Sterilization works by preventing an egg from meeting up […]
Pulling out: The kung fu of contraception
At some point, just about every couple will probably use withdrawal, aka “pulling out” or “coitus interruptus,” as a birth control method. It’s free and it doesn’t require a trip to the clinic or pharmacy. But withdrawal is birth control kung fu—it requires self-knowledge, serious discipline, and lots of practice. The Basics To use withdrawal, […]
Life sucks. Or is it just my birth control?
With all the stresses in life, it can be hard to know what is bringing you down. Is it the upcoming test that’s stressing you out? Is it the fight you had with your friend? Is it your co-worker being rude for no apparent reason? Or is it your birth control? Let’s take a look […]
Um, can I get pregnant if…?
Pregnancy scares: most people have one at some point. Even when you know how pregnancy happens , most textbooks don’t cover what specific sex acts could result in pregnancy. So let’s talk details… Can I get pregnant if there was no penetration? Yep. Sperm are very efficient swimmers. Anytime semen gets inside your vagina or […]
Skip the pelvic, please!
Going to see a health care provider can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But there’s good news: the visit may be as simple as talking to your provider. You may not need to have a pelvic exam or Pap smear depending on the reason for your visit. If all you […]
