Ask The Expert Archives on Contraception

A:
Tubal Ligation has no direct relation to hysterectomy. The doctor might use general or regional (epidural) anesthesia. Ask your doctor about what type of anesthesia he/she will use.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
Try this: Take only the first 21 pills and on day 22, start a new pack.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
You are probably talking about IM microspores preparation. Side effects are related to the pattern of bleeding, spotting, prolonged bleeding or no bleeding at all. Talk with your gynecologist about ways to handle the side effects.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
It is highly unlikely.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
A woman can only get pregnant when she ovulates. Ovulation occurs fourteen days before menstruation (about the middle of the menstrual cycle).

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
It depends on the type of pills you have. Some start at the first day and others at the 5th day of your period. Read the instructions and also, talk to your doctor.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
Nothing is wrong with you. Usually it takes more than 3 days.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
Light spotting or bleeding (sometimes heavy) are some common side effects of Depo-Provera.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
Thanks for your question. There are many benefits of the birth control pill, which is what your moms' health care provider was referring to. For some girls it improves (decreases ) their menstrual cramps. Sometimes it regulates periods, sometimes improves acne. By suppressing ovulation, it decreases the monthly stimulation of the ovaries and uterine lining. Taking a pill every day when there is no specific reason does seem a bit foolish, but if you have extreme cases of any of these problems, the pill might help you. There are other medications that help with cramps and acne, but for some the birth control pill might be the lesser of side effects. Despite what you might think, the birth control pill DOES NOT protect against HIV or Hepatitis B, or some of the other vaginal infections. This is why condoms are recommended, even if you are taking the birth control pill. Here are some web sites that might help you learn more about the benefits (and risks too) of the birth control pill:

http://www.obgyn.net/women/conditions/conditions.aspContraceptionPat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, CNM, MS, OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

A:
This is definitely a theoretical problem. The theory is that the antibiotic kills off bacteria in the intestine which help the hormones get absorbed. In practice, it probably doesn't happen. If you want to be overly cautious, it wouldn't hurt to use condoms as well during the rest of this cycle.

R. Daniel Braun, MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.

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