1. How safe is using the birth control pill, Depo-Provera, or Lunelle?
   
   Most forms of birth control are safe for most women. The types most often used are combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or Depo-Provera, a hormone that you receive as an injection four times each year. Lunelle is a monthly injection.
   
   Hormonal birth control has many benefits other than preventing pregnancy. It decreases the chances of endometrial and ovarian cancers, minor breast disease, ovarian cysts, pregnancy outside the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and anemia. It also may lessen cramps during menstrual periods, the amount of blood flow during periods, the number of days for a period and pain with ovulation.
   
   These methods of birth control can control the menstrual cycle so that it doesn’t happen on weekends or vacations. Use of birth control pills can ease nervousness, headaches, bloating and the depression that may be felt before periods. Some pills can improve acne.
   
   The pill has a good effect on blood cholesterol. It also may help protect against osteoporosis, endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some women do not have periods while using Depo-Provera.
   
   Studies have shown a slight increase in the risk for heart attacks and strokes for those who use the pill. This increase usually happens as a woman gets older and is less active. Use of the pill may add to risk factors for high blood pressure, diabetes and blood clotting disease which increase as we grow older. Smoking adds greatly to this risk, especially for women over age 35 who smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day. Women have a slightly increased chance of having breast cancer during hormonal birth control use and for 10 years after use.
   
   
2. Which birth control method is best for me to use?
   
   Abstinence is the only birth control method that prevents pregnancy 100 percent of the time.
   
   This is a very important decision. It really depends on you and your partner. The best method is the one that you would feel most comfortable in using every time.
   
   Condoms are also used to help prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you choose other birth control methods, you also should use condoms. This is very important to protect yourself from STDs.
   
   
3. How soon after I stop using the birth control pill or Depo-Provera will I get pregnant?
   
   This varies with each woman. The pill does not reduce your chances for pregnancy after you stop taking it. It is safe to get pregnant immediately. Women who had regular menstrual periods before taking the pill will be more likely to get pregnant sooner than women who had irregular periods before taking the pill. Most health care providers tell women to use another birth control method until they have 2 or 3 normal periods before getting pregnant. This makes figuring your date of delivery easier when you get pregnant. With Depo-Provera use, most women who want to become pregnant, do so within one year after their last injection.
   
   
4. What can I do if the condom breaks?
   
   If you have birth control foam or other vaginal spermicide on hand, you need to use it properly as soon as you can. Do not douche. Gently wash the private parts (vulva, penis, and anus) of you and your partner with soap and water right away. This washing will help reduce the chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You must call your health care provider to set up a visit as soon as you can.
   
   
5. What should I do other than stop using my birth control method when I am ready to get pregnant?
   
   If you and your partner are thinking about pregnancy, do not stop using your birth control method. Plan a visit to your health care provider for preconception education. Your health care provider can review your health history and will talk to you about early signs of pregnancy, eating healthy foods, prenatal vitamins and folic acid.
   
   They may also discuss weight control, exercise, dental care, smoking, alcohol use, and control of diseases. They may do a physical examination and any necessary laboratory tests. Your health care provider may also want to talk with you about being in the best health possible before becoming pregnant. This care will help to increase your chances of a good pregnancy and having a healthy baby.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Can a woman get pregnant the first time she has sexual intercourse and doesn’t use any birth control?
   
   Yes.
   
   The chances of pregnancy range from less than 1 percent to somewhere between 17 percent and 30 percent depending upon what day in the menstrual cycle
   
   

Last Updated: 04/13/2011