Other Contraception and Birth Control FAQs

Yes. Health care providers may prescribe different types of birth control to reduce or treat symptoms and certain disorders. For example, oral contraceptives can reduce severe menstrual cramps, make menstrual bleeding lighter, and reduce acne. There is also evidence that the pill reduces the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colon cancers, reduces the occurrence of cysts in the breasts and ovaries, protects against iron-deficiency anemia, and improves bone density.¹ The hormonal IUD can also reduce severe menstrual cramps and make menstrual bleeding lighter.

Oral contraception is also used to treat gynecological disorders, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

If you have questions about birth control methods and uses, talk with your health care provider.

Many factors figure into the choice of birth control, such as your overall health, your age, how often you have sex, your number of sexual partners, your desire to have children in the future, and your family medical history. In addition, some forms of contraception are associated with health risks and side effects.

It is important to talk to a health care provider to determine your specific health requirements and which method of contraception is right for you. Visit the Resources and Publications: For Patients and Consumers page for more information.

Different forms of contraception carry different health risks and side effects, and some of them can be serious. For instance, some combined hormonal birth control methods can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots. This risk may be higher in women with certain health conditions.

For this and other reasons, it is important to talk to a health care provider about your health and health history to figure out which method of contraception is right for you.

The HHS Office on Women's Health website maintains information about the possible side effects of each type of contraception.² The Food and Drug Administration also offers information about risks from different types of birth control in its Birth Control: Medicines to Help You publication.

If you want to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider about stopping your birth control.

When taking oral contraceptives, ovulation can be restarted by stopping taking the pill. It is possible to become pregnant during the next menstrual cycle after stopping the pill, but it may take 1 or 2 months before you return to the previous timing of your cycle.¹ If you are using a contraceptive patch or vaginal ring, removing the device stops the delivery of hormones, and the results are similar to stopping oral contraception. Recovery of fertility after injections of Depo-Provera^® may take longer, up to 10 months in some cases.

IUDs must be removed by a health care professional. After removal, pregnancy is possible at any time.³

An implanted rod must also be removed by a health care provider. The implant is removed through a small cut in your arm, and pregnancy is possible any time after the implant is removed.¹