{"id":6874,"date":"2019-11-12T09:00:22","date_gmt":"2019-11-12T14:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=6874"},"modified":"2024-05-20T14:21:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T18:21:18","slug":"birth-control-questions-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-questions-answers\/","title":{"rendered":"14 birth control questions\u2014answered"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ig7JrwmzJZ8?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seventy-two percent of American women report using some form of contraceptive in their lifetime, according to statistics released in 2021 by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/womens-health-policy\/issue-brief\/womens-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-key-findings-from-the-2020-kff-womens-health-survey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaiser Family Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Precisely because it\u2019s so common, it\u2019s crucial to clear up the rumors, misconceptions, and birth control myths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When women <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-options\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">choose a contraceptive method<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, preconceptions about different forms influence their decision. And most of us have heard some sort of negative information about contraceptives\u2014such as birth control pills causes weight gain. Or, it increases cancer risks or can cause infertility. Some people even say that hormones make you \u201ccrazy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re researching where to start, it\u2019s easy to fall into a Reddit black hole about bad experiences and horror stories. Then, to read rave reviews about the same contraception on other forums. Choosing among the many options available\u2014one that\u2019s a good fit for your lifestyle and personal health shouldn\u2019t be harder than it already is.\u00a0 And, if one form of birth control serves you now, you may find that later a different form fits your needs better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-cost\/\"><b>How much does birth control cost yearly (and how to save)<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s time to get the real scoop on the benefits, side effects, risks, and effectiveness of birth control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14 common birth control questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, find answers to birth control FAQs, so you can have the information you need when it comes to contraceptives\u2014and none of the fears that you don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. What do I need to know about birth control?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different types of birth control. Short-term methods include spermicide, birth control pills, the patch, the ring, the Depo shot, and even Phexxi, a non-hormonal vaginal birth control gel. Long-term options include intrauterine devices (IUDs), the implant, and permanent sterilization. Emergency choices include Plan B, Altera, ella, the copper IUD, and more. Emergency contraception is used when you have not taken your contraceptive method on time or when you have had unprotected intercourse. These methods are commonly referred to as the morning after pill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, you have many options. The birth control that\u2019s right for you may change throughout your life. Whatever method you choose, just remember that for it to work properly, it needs to be used as directed. It\u2019s best to stay on the right schedule. Also, though all of these birth controls prevent pregnancy, condoms are the only one that can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STI).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. What factors should I consider when choosing birth control?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a lot that goes into selecting the birth control method that best suits your life. When choosing the method that\u2019s best for you, you should consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reproductive goals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship factors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Religious beliefs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effectiveness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanence\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your healthcare provider can talk through these considerations, and help you determine which method is best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Does hormonal birth control make me gain weight?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe short answer is no,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcare.utah.edu\/fad\/mddetail.php?physicianID=u0854063&amp;name=jennifer-kaiser\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jen Kaiser, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cIn large pool studies we don\u2019t see increases in weight in comparison to what you would naturally gain from the slowing of the metabolism and aging.\u201d So, that means that for most women, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-birth-control-pill-contraceptive-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control pills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-ring-nuvaring-contraceptive\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vaginal rings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-patch-xulane-contraceptive\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contraceptive skin patches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are very unlikely to affect weight. Let\u2019s repeat: Hormonal birth control is <\/span><b>very unlikely<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to cause you to gain weight. This is straight from a healthcare provider\u2019s mouth and one of the most comprehensive (and updated) scientific studies, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK441582\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Center for Biotechnology Information<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In about 5% of patients, there can be a retention of fluid while on birth control, also called edema. This can lead to small fluctuations in weight. It\u2019s usually temporary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-birth-control-cause-weight-gain\/\"><b>Does birth control cause weight gain?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Can I only get pregnant one day a month?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a regular period, your body releases one egg, on one day each month. But the window when you can get pregnant is much longer than 24 hours. An egg is only available to be fertilized for about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/getting-pregnant\/ovulation-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Pregnancy Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But, sperm can live in the body for 3-5 days after sex. Add that to the day the egg is available, your most fertile window rises to approximately 5-7 days. In other words, you can get pregnant for about a week every menstrual cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalcycles.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural Cycles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an FDA-approved app that allows users to track their ovulation cycles. It\u2019s a hormone-free way to better understand when you can\u2014and probably aren\u2019t likely to\u2014get pregnant throughout the month. The app tells users daily whether it\u2019s a \u201cgreen\u201d day, or \u201cred\u201d day of the month. On red days, users are more likely to become pregnant and should use a condom or abstain from sex to prevent unplanned pregnancy. It\u2019s 98% effective as a contraceptive with perfect use, and 93% effective with typical use. If you would like to practice natural family planning, most communities have educators and groups you can join.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ovulation-guide\/\"><b>Ovulation 101<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Can I have sex without a condom the day I start on hormonal birth control?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, not if you don\u2019t want a baby in nine months! It takes up to a week for your new form of birth control to become effective\u2014depending on what kind of contraceptive you choose (a pill, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/iud-birth-control-contraceptive-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IUD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-implant-nexplanon-contraceptive\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">implant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-shot-depo-provera-contraceptive\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depo-Provera shot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and where you currently are in your cycle. It\u2019s best to use condoms for seven days after starting the pill, or getting an implant, IUD, or shot\u2014then you\u2019ll be in the clear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The copper IUD is a special case. It becomes effective immediately, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/learn\/birth-control\/iud\/whats-an-iud-insertion-like\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planned Parenthood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And remember, only condoms can protect against STDs and STIs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Do copper IUDs make your period worse?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/paragard-intrauterine-copper\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paragard<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the only copper IUD approved by the FDA and available in the U.S., has a few benefits that users like: It\u2019s non-hormonal, it is effective against pregnancy for 10 years, it does not decrease milk supply in breastfeeding mothers, and it can be used for emergency contraception when inserted within five days of unprotected sex. But according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/paragard\/about\/pac-20391270\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the side effects associated with Paragard include bleeding between periods, cramps, severe menstrual pain, and heavy bleeding. Because of this, a copper IUD may not be the best fit for some women.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-while-breastfeeding\/\"><b>Can you use hormonal birth control while breastfeeding?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Can using hormonal birth control cause infertility?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might\u2019ve heard that years of taking the pill, having an implant, or a long-term IUD will make it difficult to get pregnant when you\u2019re ready.\u00a0 That\u2019s just a myth. Contraception only interferes with fertility when they are in use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNo forms of birth control decrease your ability of getting pregnant when you discontinue, no matter how long you use birth control,\u201d says Dr. Kaiser. \u201cYour ability to get pregnant goes back to whatever it was before birth control. That means if you had a high chance of getting pregnant, you still will. If you had a low chance, it goes back to being a low chance. The most important factor in your ability to get pregnant is age. If you try to get pregnant at 40, that will be harder than when you\u2019re 26.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Should I have a period every month\u2014even if I\u2019m on birth control?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/mirena-52-mg\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mirena<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/skyla\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skyla<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> IUDs can lessen the number of periods you have, or stop them altogether. The implant, the pill (when used a certain way), and shot can also prevent you from having a period. And the fact of the matter is, it\u2019s completely okay and safe to not have a period because of your birth control methods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your body only needs to menstruate when there is the possibility of pregnancy, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/learn\/teens\/ask-experts\/is-it-unhealthy-if-you-skip-your-period-while-using-mirena-or-other-birth-control-methods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planned Parenthood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation and stops the uterine lining from building up. The bleeding you experience in between pill packs or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/nuvaring\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NuvaRings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is withdrawal bleeding, a response to a gap in the hormones, not something your body requires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Can I lose my IUD?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can\u2014an IUD can fall out (this is called expulsion) or move to a place it doesn\u2019t belong (this is called perforation). These are two risks you must consider when choosing copper or hormonal IUD, such as Mirena or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/kyleena\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kyleena<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as your contraception, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cwhccolorado.com\/services\/birth-control\/iud\/iud-complications\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comprehensive Women\u2019s Health Center of Colorado<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expulsion can happen naturally, but it\u2019s not common. It occurs in only about 3% of IUD uses. Perforation, when your IUD pushes into or through the muscle of the uterus, is the rarest complication, occurring in only one or two of every 1,000 IUD insertions. It\u2019s also the most dangerous. There have been very few cases where an IUD migrated to areas of the pelvis, abdominal cavity, gastrointestinal tract and bladder. If the IUD does move outside the uterus, the IUD must be surgically removed. IUDs are known to be safe and effective and well-liked by most women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Do I have to take my birth control pill at the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exact<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> same time every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you should. Though how important this is depends on what type of pill you\u2019re taking. There are two types of commonly-prescribed contraceptive pills\u2014the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) and the \u201cmini pill,\u201d or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/progestin-only-birth-control\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">progestin-only pill (POP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The COC prevents ovulation, so there is more room for error.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/progestin-only-hormonal-birth-control-pill-and-injection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40% of women still ovulate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while taking the mini pill, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The mini pill\u2019s active ingredients only thicken the cervical mucus and the uterine lining for 24 hours at a time. So, it\u2019s critical (and time-sensitive) to have another dose within that period. Many women set an alarm and take their daily birth control on time to assure best effectiveness of the pill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both methods require consistent use to be most effective, so it\u2019s best to stay on a schedule to avoid missing or forgetting your daily dose. Also important? Checking with your prescriber or pharmacist to see how your birth control may affect your other medications. Some drugs, like certain antibiotics or anti-seizure medications, have a strong potential to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-interfere-with-birth-control\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affect absorption of oral contraceptives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And certain anticoagulant drugs have a very dangerous interaction with hormonal birth control.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Is there one best kind of birth control?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. \u201cThe best kind of birth control is the kind that works for you,\u201d Dr. Kaiser says. There is no best form or overall winner for everyone when it comes to birth control. Each woman has to decide what works best for her, her lifestyle, and her body. Sitting down and chatting with a women\u2019s health specialist, obstetrician, gynecologist, or your primary care doctor can help you confirm your best option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Can the pill cause cancer?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a myth\u2014kind of. So far, researchers have found that because oral contraceptives contain man-made versions of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, changes in hormone levels may trigger breast cancer, but can also protect against ovarian and uterine cancer. \u201cComprehensive studies have shown that birth control is shown to decrease the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer,\u201d Dr. Kaiser explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut there is a little bit of a risk as far as breast cancer is concerned,\u201d she goes on to say. \u201cA Danish cohort conducted a pool study of thousands of women and found that birth control may minimally increase the risk for breast cancer. It\u2019s a very small but increased risk that has not been borne out by any other large pool study in our field. I tell my patients that it\u2019s something to be mindful about, but as medical professionals, we don\u2019t put too much weight on it yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Will hormonal birth control affect my emotions?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe, but it\u2019s a case-by-case basis, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27636867\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">science<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is conflicted. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27680324\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of over a million Danish women over age 14\u2014using credible and constructive data such as diagnosis codes and prescription records\u2014strongly suggests that there is an increased risk of depression associated with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> types of hormonal contraception. But that\u2019s not the full story. Many patients who take hormonal birth control don\u2019t experience any changes in mood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a history of depression, or i<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">f hormonal birth control isn\u2019t right for you, there are many other options\u2014from the copper IUD to the Natural Cycles app\u2014that can help put your reproductive choices back in your hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. How much does birth control cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-cost\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost of birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> depends on the type of contraceptive you choose and your insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, your birth control prescription may be free or at a very low cost. However, if you\u2019re uninsured or don\u2019t have prescription drug coverage, the cost of birth control can increase significantly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without insurance, birth control pills can be $50 per month while a vaginal ring can cost $2,000 per year. Fortunately, there are still ways to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/free-birth-control-without-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">save on birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> even if you don\u2019t have insurance. For example, you could use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to save up to 80% on birth control and other prescription drugs. This option makes monthly contraception very affordable\u2014less than the cost of a pack of diapers.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Seventy-two percent of American women report using some form of contraceptive in their lifetime, according to statistics released in 2021 by Kaiser Family Foundation. Precisely because it\u2019s so common, it\u2019s crucial to clear up the rumors, misconceptions, and birth control myths.\u00a0 When women choose a contraceptive method, preconceptions about different forms influence their decision. And [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":6868,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589,8029],"tags":[4783,8670],"coauthors":[8722],"class_list":["post-6874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","category-health-education","tag-birth-control","tag-womens-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>14 birth control questions\u2014answered<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many patients ask birth control questions about weight gain, pregnancy potential, and types of contraceptives. 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