HEALTH CONDITION

Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives are also known as “birth control.” They prevent pregnancy from occurring. These medications are combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. They regulate processes that occur at the start of pregnancy. Sometimes they are used to treat acne and regulate the menstrual cycle. They can also be used to reduce pain and bloating from menstruation.

Different types

Birth control medications are available in several different forms. Besides tablets taken by mouth, there are rings inserted in the vagina and patches worn on the skin. Prescribers may also administer implants under the skin. Injectable medications are also used.

Risks and side effects

Some common side effects of these medications are nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. They can also cause irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. Some people experience increased blood pressure. Fluid retention is common as well. Changing to a different product may help with some side effects. Some of these medications may increase your risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Selection

Your prescriber will help determine the best product for you. They will consider your health conditions, other medications, and future plans for pregnancy. Your prescriber may ask about other products you may have used. Your past experience with them helps guide therapy.

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Most common medications

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Prescription required
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol; Inert Ingredients (Generic for Vestura 28 Day Pack, Pack)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Bayer YAZ 28-DAY 3 MG - 0.02 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Lupin Pharma BLISOVI FE 1/20 28-DAY 1 MG - 20 MCG - 75 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Teva Pharma JUNEL FE 1/20 28-DAY 1 MG - 0.02 MG - 75 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Teva Pharma SPRINTEC 28-DAY 0.25 MG - 0.035 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Aurobindo MILI 28-DAY 0.25 MG - 0.035 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Teva TRI-SPRINTEC 28-DAY TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Glenmark Pharma ASHLYNA 91-DAY 0.15 MG - 0.03 MG - 0.01 MG TABLET (Blister, 91 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Xiromed VIENVA 28-DAY 0.1 MG - 0.02 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
TherapeuticsMD ANNOVERA 0.15 MG - 0.013 MG VAGINAL INSERT (Box, 1 Kit)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Xulane (Brand for Ethinyl Estradiol / Norelgestromin, Transdermal System)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Xiromed ISIBLOOM 28-DAY 0.15 MG - 0.03 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible
Prescription required
Teva Pharma RECLIPSEN 28-DAY 0.15 MG - 0.03 MG TABLET (Blister, 28 Tablet)
Free Delivery
FSA or HSA eligible

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of birth control?

There are many different types of birth control available, including:

• Birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives) - These contain hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Some popular brands are Yaz, Sprintec, Junel, and Loryna.
• Birth control shot (Depo-Provera) - This is an injection given every 3 months that contains a progestin hormone to prevent ovulation.
• Birth control implant (Nexplanon/Implanon) - This is a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.
• IUD (Mirena, ParaGard, others) - An IUD is a small device placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider that is either made out of copper or releases hormones to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
• Birth control patch - This is a patch that releases pregnancy preventing hormones through the skin.
• Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) - This is a flexible ring inserted in the vagina that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
• Diaphragm - This is a dome-shaped cup inserted in the vagina before sex that blocks sperm from entering the cervix.
• Cervical cap - Similar to a diaphragm, this thimble shaped cup fits tightly over the cervix to block sperm.
• Sponge - This contains spermicide and blocks entry to the cervix.
• Condoms - Worn on a penis or placed in a vagina, these catch and block sperm from entering.

How effective is birth control?

Birth control can be very effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. The effectiveness depends on the specific method:

• The birth control pill is over 99% effective with perfect use. With typical use, it's about 91% effective.
• The birth control implant (Nexplanon) is over 99% effective.
• The hormonal IUD is over 99% effective.
• The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is over 94% effective with typical use.

No birth control method is 100% effective, but using birth control correctly and consistently can greatly reduce your chances of an unintended pregnancy.
If you're interested in learning more about getting birth control online, you can check out Amazon One Medical Pay Per Visit's birth control treatment.

What are the side effects of birth control?

Some common side effects of birth control can include nausea, headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, spotting between periods, and weight gain. However, not all women experience side effects, and some forms of birth control like the non-hormonal copper IUD typically have less side effects. If you experience concerning side effects from your birth control, be sure to talk to your doctor about adjusting your prescription or exploring other birth control options that may work better for you.
To get birth control prescribed online, you can visit Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit here. They can prescribe birth control pills or the birth control ring after a quick online visit.

Can you get pregnant if you are on birth control?

It is possible but unlikely to get pregnant while on birth control. Most forms of birth control like birth control pills, the birth control implant, IUD birth control, and the birth control shot are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. However, no form of contraception other than abstinence is 100% effective. Some things that can make birth control less effective include:

• Missing birth control pills
• The birth control implant moving out of place
• Using antibiotics or certain other medications that interact with hormonal birth control
• Using emergency contraception like Plan B, which can make the next birth control pill pack less effective

You can also consider using a secondary form of contraception like condoms along with your main birth control method to reduce the small risk even further.

What are the pros and cons of the birth control shot?

The birth control shot, also known as the Depo-Provera shot, has several pros and cons to consider:

Pros:
• It's very effective at preventing pregnancy when administered on schedule - over 99% effective.
• Lasts for 3 months so you don't have to remember to take a daily pill.
• Often decreases menstrual bleeding and cramping over time.
• Does not contain estrogen, so it can be used by people who cannot take estrogen.

Cons:
• Requires getting an injection from a healthcare provider every 3 months.
• May cause irregular bleeding, spotting or no periods for some women.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Can cause side effects like headache, nausea, weight gain, mood changes for some women.
• After stopping there can be a delay of up to 1 year for fertility to return.

What are the pros and cons of the birth control implant?

The birth control implant is a small, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm to prevent pregnancy.

Pros:
• It's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when inserted correctly
• Lasts up to 5 years depending on the brand
• Low maintenance - you don't have to remember to take a daily pill
• May help make periods lighter and less painful

Cons:
• Insertion and removal requires a minor surgical procedure
• May cause irregular bleeding, spotting, or no periods at all
• Rarely, it may move out of place or be difficult to remove
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Overall, the birth control implant is very effective with relatively few risks. Side effects vary from person to person. Discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider to see if it may be a good option for you.

What are the best non-hormonal birth control options?

Some good non-hormonal birth control options to consider are:

Pros:
• Copper IUD (ParaGard) - This goes into the uterus and releases a small amount of copper to prevent fertilization. It's over 99% effective and can last up to 10 years.
• Male and female condoms - These barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching an egg. With perfect use condoms are 98% effective, but typical use lowers effectiveness to about 85%.
• Diaphragm - This reusable silicone cup blocks sperm from entering the cervix. Used with spermicide it's up to 94% effective.

Non-hormonal methods generally don't have side effects and don't impact future fertility. The copper IUD is one of the most effective reversible options. Barrier methods like condoms also prevent STDs. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide what's best for your needs.

Where can I get low-cost birth control?

There are a few options for getting low-cost birth control:

• Many health insurance plans cover birth control pills, patches, rings, IUDs, implants, injections, etc. at low or no cost. Check with your insurance to see what contraceptive options are covered.
• Look into getting birth control from community health centers, Planned Parenthood, or public health clinics which often provide low-cost or sliding-scale fees based on income.
• Some pharmacies offer certain generic birth control pills for $10-15 per month without insurance. You can also get emergency contraception like Plan B or Aftera for less than $50 over the counter.

Can birth control help with acne?

Yes, birth control can help treat acne. Some birth control pills and methods work by regulating hormones, which can help reduce acne breakouts. Specifically:

• Oral contraceptives or "the pill" that contain estrogen and progestin can help reduce androgens, which contribute to acne. Some examples are Yaz, Sprintec, and Junel.
• The birth control implant Nexplanon releases progestin which can also lower androgen levels and improve acne.
• Some IUDs like Mirena also release progestin locally and may help acne.

Can men take birth control too?

Yes, men can take steps to prevent pregnancy as well. While there are currently no birth control pills available for men, there are a few options men can consider:

• Condoms - Using a condom correctly every time you have sex is an effective way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Vasectomy - This is a minor surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. It is meant to be a permanent form of birth control.

There is also research being done around a reversible male birth control pill that may become available in the coming years. For now, condoms and vasectomy are two options men have to take responsibility for birth control.

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