Birth control is designed to prevent you from getting pregnant. It is reversible and comes in many different forms, both hormonal and non-hormonal. Some examples include:

• Condoms

• Birth control pills

• Morning-after pills

• Patch

• Vaginal ring

• Injection

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

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. The method you choose depends on you, your personal needs, and your current health.

When used correctly, all methods of birth control are safe and effective. We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to determine which method suits your needs best.

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.

Yes, you can. Birth control pills were once only packaged as 21 days of active hormone pills and seven days of inactive pills. While you take the inactive pills, menstrual-like bleeding occurs.

Yes. Healthcare 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.

The “morning-after pill” is a form of emergency contraception intended for use after sex. You may want to take it if you have had sex without using birth control or have had trouble with your regular method (for example, a broken condom or missed pills).

It is most effective when taken within five days of unprotected intercourse and can be obtained at many pharmacies without a prescription if you are 17 or older.

An IUD stands for intrauterine device. IUDs have been used for decades and are among the most popular forms of birth control in the world. They also are among the safest, most effective birth control options.

There are two types of IUDs:

• The Mirena IUD, with low-dose progesterone hormone, works for five years.

• The Paragard IUD, made with copper, works for a maximum of 12 years.

They are placed inside your uterus in an outpatient procedure by your provider during an office visit. Although they last for many years, if you don’t like your IUD, it can be removed at any time.

These methods are safe for most women.

However, they may not be safe for women who have high blood pressure, migraine headaches, liver disease, blood clots (in their legs or lungs), or other medical problems. A conversation with your doctor is a good place to start.

Taking inactive pills doesn't put you at a higher risk of unintended pregnancy. If you're taking birth control pills exactly as directed, they're about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

But if you miss a pill — or several pills — during a cycle, you might be at higher risk of unintended pregnancy during that cycle. To be safe, use a backup form of contraception, such as a condom, especially if you miss several pills during a cycle.

If you don't have a period for several months, you may have what's known as post-pill amenorrhea. The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to start producing these hormones again.

Menstrual periods typically resume within three months after you stop taking the pill. But if you took the pill to regulate your menstrual cycles, it may take several months before your period comes back.

If you don't have a period within three months, take a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant and then see your doctor.

You can get accurate results from a pregnancy test while you're on the pill. Pregnancy tests work by measuring a specific pregnancy-related hormone — human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) — in your blood or urine. The active ingredients in birth control pills don't affect how a pregnancy test measures the level of HCG in your system.