Birth Control News, Features & Updates

September 16, 2024 — Women get their tubes tied as their primary method of birth control may face a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy than expected. Between 3% and 5% of women who get the procedure later have unintended pregnancies, according to new research.

March 4, 2024 — The first birth control pill authorized to be sold without a doctor’s prescription will soon be available to the public, according to the company that makes the drug.

October 6, 2023 — The first over-the-counter birth control pill will hit U.S. stores early next year, which gives parents, teens, and their doctors time to decide how it could affect their lives. And the decisions are not always simple.

July 13, 2023 — It's not yet known how much the pill will cost when it becomes available in 2024.

May 10, 2023 — Birth control pills should be available over the counter, an independent panel of advisers told the FDA on Wednesday, saying the benefits are greater than potential problems.

April 14, 2023 — Birth control pills and other forms of contraception could still prevent pregnancy with drastically reduced levels of estrogen and progesterone, a new study published in PLOS Computational Biology says.

April 6, 2023 — Although period suppression is a safe option for teens, some doctors are hesitant to prescribe birth control to their adolescent patients for this purpose.

March 5, 2023 — The FDA is actively gathering ideas for how to safely allow some prescription-only products, like birth control and erectile dysfunction medications, to be sold over the counter.

February 3, 2023 — YouTubers are ditching the pill and pushing more “natural” contraception methods, putting impressionable young women at risk of unintended pregnancy.

No matter where you are on the gender spectrum, you may be considering birth control, especially if there’s a chance you could get pregnant and you’re not trying to. Learn about the types of birth control available and what might be best for you.

How is birth control different from an abortion? What is the process like? What are the effects on your body? Learn the differences between birth control and an abortion.

How do you get emergency contraception? Which type is best? What are the effects on your body? Get the answers straight from a doctor.

Can you get a copper IUD put in as emergency contraception? How does it work? What are the pros and cons?

IUDs often cause cramps. Learn what can you do about them, how long they might last, how to feel better, and what to do if they don’t go away.

What happens if you think your IUD is out of place? What are the signs? How do you check? Should you call the doctor? Learn what to look for and what to do if you think your IUD is out of place.

How do birth control apps work? Can I use a cycle tracking app for birth control? How do I find a reliable fertility app? Learn about apps for cycle tracking, fertility, family planning, and birth control.

Here's what you need to know about using a menstrual cup when you have an IUD.

Many women avoid birth control methods they think will cause weight gain. An IUD isn’t likely to bring extra pounds. It’s also one of the most effective and easy-to-use contraceptives on the market.

Does getting an IUD hurt? Will my periods change? What type of IUD is best? Learn what women wish they had known before they got an IUD.

Thanks to design changes and recent declarations by physician’s groups that they are safe for all ages, IUDs are swiftly gaining popularity.

Almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Find out how this happens so often, from user error to irregular periods.

Tired of taking birth control pills? There are lots of other contraception choices that need less action on your part and that you can stop at any time.

The FDA has changed the rules about how pharmacies sell some types of emergency contraception. Before you walk into a drugstore, learn more about what's available.

Since NuvaRing hit the market, more than 700 women have filed lawsuits, claiming it has caused potentially life-threatening blood clots. The battle may change the way millions of women prevent pregnancy.

Will going on birth control pills make you gain weight?

From a molecule that looks promising, to a new medicine on your shelf – the process typically takes years and involves researchers, drug companies, government bureaucrats, human subjects … and a few good rats.

The newest birth control pills suppress women's menstrual cycles. But is this wise?

It's not the way grandma practiced birth control. But does it work?

Health insurance plans usually provide coverage for drugs like Viagra, but not birth control pills.

Some women are opting not to have their period each month. What are the risks and benefits of this choice?

There are several obvious reasons why a man might want to be more involved in reproductive health decision making. This article teaches men about their role in contraception options.

After a four-year lapse, the contraceptive sponge is scheduled for a comeback.

Almost 3 million unintended pregnancies happen each year in the United States. Read here to find out about emergency contraception.