Emergency contraception, or emergency birth control, is used to help keep a woman from getting pregnant after she has had sex without using birth control or if the birth control method failed. This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about emergency contraception.
Review Date: January 23, 2013
Office on Women's Health
This fact sheet includes information on what female sterilization is, how sterilization works, and who can use sterilization. It also discusses advantages, disadvantages, and possible side effects of female sterilization.
Review Date: December 31, 2012
Family Health International
Find answers to frequently asked questions about male condoms, including what they are, how they work, and who can use them.
Review Date: February 19, 2013
Family Health International
Kids may not feel comfortable approaching parents with questions about sexuality but let them know your views on sex and birth control. Knowing where you stand helps kids make choices that are right for them.
Review Date: March 13, 2012
The Nemours Foundation
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or by streptococcus bacteria. Originally linked to the use of tampons, it is now also known to be associated with the diaphragm and other birth control methods.
Review Date: December 31, 2012
The Nemours Foundation
People are abstinent for many reasons, including to prevent pregnancy. Here are some of the most common questions we hear people ask about abstinence.
Review Date: December 18, 2012
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse. Find out how to use condoms correctly and consistently.
Review Date: January 23, 2012
American Social Health Association
This guide gives the basic facts about the different kinds of FDA-approved medicines and devices for birth control. Ask your doctor to tell you about all of the risks and benefits of using these products.
Review Date: January 23, 2013
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What are the different types of birth control? Do they have side effects? Are birth control pills safe? Find answers to these questions, and more.
Review Date: January 19, 2012
Office on Women's Health
Your birth control options may include oral contraceptives, barrier methods or natural family planning. Find out how to choose the method of contraception that works best for you.
Review Date: January 19, 2012
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Emergency contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Learn about how it works and how it is used. Emergency contraception offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Review Date: January 23, 2013
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Find answers to questions about female condoms, including what they are, how well users like them, and advantages and disadvantages of using this type of birth control.
Review Date: February 19, 2013
Family Health International
Search from more than 820 health centers nationwide for a nearby health center that provides high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for women, men, and teens.
Review Date: December 18, 2012
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Birth control methods are not one-size-fits-all. My method is here to help you think about your options. Information is available in English and Spanish.
Review Date: January 19, 2012
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
A fact sheet about research on the risk of developing cancer of the breast, cervix, liver and ovary from the use of oral contraceptives.
Review Date: November 23, 2010
National Cancer Institute
Using condoms correctly and consistently is a key way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Don't be shy to talk with your partner about safer sex and condoms: For both of you, this is one of the most important conversations you can have.
Review Date: January 19, 2012
American Social Health Association
A tubal ligation reversal can allow a woman who's had a tubal ligation to get pregnant without further medical assistance. A tubal ligation reversal isn't appropriate for everyone. Learn more about this procedure.
Review Date: December 31, 2012
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Use this site to compare the pros and cons of 10 birth control methods, including condoms, the pill, cervical caps, IUD's, and more.
Review Date: April 05, 2012
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
