Covers birth control methods, including the pill, skin patch, Depo-Provera shot, condoms, cervical cap, and diaphragm. Provides questions to help you decide the right birth control method for you. Covers emergency contraception (the morning-after pill).
Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. If you have vaginal sex without birth control, you could get pregnant. The only sure way to not get pregnant is to not have sex. Finding birth control that works for you can help avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
The implant is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a thin rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin (subdermal) on the inside of your upper arm. The implant releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin prevents pregnancy in these ways: It thickens the mucus in the cervix. This...
Mini-pills are used to prevent pregnancy. They release a regular dose of a hormone called progestin. They are different from regular combination birth control pills. Those contain progestin and another hormone called estrogen. Progestin prevents pregnancy in a few ways. It thickens the mucus in the cervix. This makes it...
The patch is used to prevent pregnancy. It looks like a bandage. You put it on the skin of your belly, rear end (buttocks), upper arm, or upper body (but not on a breast). The patch releases a regular dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy in three ways. They thicken the mucus in...
Combination pills are used to prevent pregnancy. Most people call them "the pill." Combination pills release a regular dose of two hormones, estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy in a few ways. They thicken the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to travel into the uterus. And they thin the lining...
The ring is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a soft plastic ring that you put into your vagina. It's also called the vaginal ring. The ring releases a regular dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy in three ways. They thicken the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to...
The shot is used to prevent pregnancy. You get the shot in your upper arm or rear end (buttocks). The shot gives you a dose of the hormone progestin. The shot is often called by its brand name, Depo-Provera. Progestin prevents pregnancy in these ways: It thickens the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to...
You can place the hormone patch on your belly, buttocks, or upper body but not on your breasts. Apply a new patch once a week on the same day of the week for 3 weeks. The patch delivers the hormones daily over 7 days. Wear each patch all the time until you replace it the following week. During the fourth week, you wear...
It's not unusual for women who are taking hormone pills for birth control to have very light periods or no bleeding at all. If you haven't missed any pills, skip 1 period, yet have no other signs of early pregnancy, it is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Signs of early pregnancy include fatigue, breast tenderness or...
The diaphragm is used to prevent pregnancy. A diaphragm is called a barrier method because it keeps the sperm and eggs apart. It is usually made of silicone and shaped like a dome, and it has a firm, flexible rim. It fits inside your vagina and covers the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. You use the diaphragm...
Talk to your doctor about what day to start using the patch. Doctors usually recommend that the first patch be placed on the first day of your next menstrual period. If the patch is started on any other day, use a backup method of birth control for 7 days. Start the patch on a day that is easy to remember. The skin...
The ring is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a soft plastic ring that you put into your vagina. It's also called the vaginal ring. It gives you a regular dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. The ring protects against pregnancy for 1 month at a time. You wear one ring for 3 weeks in a row and then go without a...
Several myths about when a woman can or can't become pregnant persist, particularly among younger people. Myths and truths about becoming pregnant Myth Truth I can't get pregnant the first time I have vaginal intercourse. Getting pregnant has nothing to do with how many times you have sex. If you are near the time of...
The following tables list some pros and cons of using hormonal birth control methods. Combination pills, skin patch, or vaginal ring (estrogen plus progestin) Pros and cons of combination pills, patch, or ring Pros Cons No interruption of foreplay or intercourse. Reduced bleeding and cramping with periods, which lowers...
Give your baby the best chance at being born strong and healthy. Start by gathering vital information before you get pregnant. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Take vitamins in advance To help prevent neural tube and other birth defects, start taking a daily...
What is birth defects testing? Birth defects testing is done during pregnancy to look for possible problems with the baby (fetus). A birth defect may have only a minor impact on a child's life. Or it can have a major effect on quality or length of life. You and your doctor can choose from many tests. You may have no...
What are birthmarks? A birthmark is a colored mark on or under a newborn baby's skin. Some birthmarks show up soon after a baby is born. Most birthmarks are obvious at birth. Some kinds of birthmarks fade or go away as a child gets older. Others stay the same or get bigger, darker, or thicker. There are many kinds of...
Birthmarks are colored marks on the skin that are present at birth or that develop shortly after birth. They may be brown, tan, black, blue or blue-gray, pink, white, red, or purple. Some birthmarks appear on the surface of the skin, some are raised above the surface of the skin, and some are located under the skin...
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure. Bisacodyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is a laxative that is used to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy. Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
For bowel movement. Brand Name(s): Dulcolax. Generic Name: Bisacodyl Laxative.
For bowel movement. Generic Name: Bisacodyl.
For bowel movement. Brand Name(s): Bisac-Evac, Dulcolax, The Magic Bullet. Generic Name: Bisacodyl.
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
Bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline (Pylera) is a combination medicine used to treat peptic ulcer (duodenal ulcer) with Helicobacter pylori infection. Pylera is usually given together with omeprazole (Prilosec). Pylera may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it. Sit or stand upright for 10 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down. Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom...
Provides a summary of interactions with vitamins, herbs, and food
