FAQs

What’s the difference between a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped object that is inserted into (and eventually removed from) the uterus…

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What if my partner doesn’t want to use condoms?

Many people use the motto: “Safer sex or no sex!” While this can be the most protective way to look at using condoms,…

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Do I need a prescription to get birth control? How can I get birth control, and how much does it cost? Will they tell my parents?

To get some forms of birth control—like the Pill, Depo-Provera (the Shot), NuvaRing (the Ring) and Ortho Evra (the Patch)—you…

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I’m thinking about taking the pill where you only get your period four times a year. I’ve heard there’s even a pill where you only get your period once a year. Is it OK to not get my period?

Seasonale, Seasonique and LoSeasonique are the brand names of FDA-approved birth control pills that allow you to only…

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How do I know which method is right for me?

Deciding which method of birth control to use is a very personal decision. Birth control and sexually transmitted disease…

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What are spermicides?

Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm; this prevents fertilization of an egg. Spermicide comes on some condoms (be…

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What is the birth control patch?

The birth control or contraceptive patch—also known as “the Patch”—is a thin, smooth beige patch that looks like…

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What is the NuvaRing and how effective is it?

The NuvaRing or “the Ring” is a flexible plastic ring that you insert into the vagina for three weeks each month to…

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What is the Implant? Does it really last three years?

Implanon or Nexplanon is a small, thin implantable hormonal contraceptive, and yes, it is effective for up to three years.…

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What is Depo-Provera and how effective is it?

Depo-Provera, also known as “the Shot,” is a hormonal method of birth control that contains one hormone: progestin—which…

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What is the Today Sponge?

The Today Sponge (which is often just called “the sponge”) is a hormone-free birth control method that does not require…

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What are the different kinds of birth control? How do they work and how effective are they?

Birth control refers to something that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are so many methods available! They all fall…

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What is a diaphragm and how effective is it? How is it different than a cervical cap?

Both the diaphragm and the cervical cap are silicone cups that fit inside the vagina and block the entrance to the cervix.…

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Does the Pill make you gain weight?

No. This is a very popular myth that even sexuality educators and doctors repeat. A recent study, “Combination Contraceptives:…

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I just had unprotected sex. What is emergency contraception? Is it the same as the “morning-after pill”?

It depends on what you mean by “just,” and it depends on what you mean by “sex.” If you had unprotected penile-vaginal…

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What is an internal condom (also known as a “female condom”) and how does it work?

An internal  condom is a pouch made of nitrile that is worn internally—inside of the vagina during vaginal sex or inside…

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