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	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Before and after vasectomy The cervical cap Show all 9 photos Birth control and family planning Definition Which form of birth control you choose depends on a number of different factors, including your health, how often you have sex, and whether or not you want children. Alternative Names Contraception; Family planning and contraception Information Here are some factors to consider when selecting a birth control method: Effectiveness -- how well does the method prevent pregnancy? Look at the number of pregnancies in 100 women using that method over a period of one year. If an unplanned pregnancy would be viewed as potentially devastating to the individual or couple, a highly effective method should be chosen. In contrast, if a couple is simply trying to postpone pregnancy, but feels that a pregnancy could be welcomed if it occurred earlier than planned, a less effective method may be a reasonable choice. Cost -- is the method affordable? Health risk -- learn any potential health risks. For example, birth control pills are usually not recommended for women over age 35 who also smoke. Partner involvement -- The willingness of a partner to accept and support a given method may affect your choice of birth control. However, you also may want to re-consider a sexual relationship with a partner unwilling to take an active and supportive role. Permanence -- do you want a temporary (and generally less effective) method, or a long-term or even permanent (and more effective) method? Preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) -- many methods offer no protection against STDs. In general, condoms are the best choice for preventing STDs, especially combined with spermicides. Availability -- Can the method be used without a prescription, provider visit, or, in the case of minors, parental consent? CONDOMS A condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath. Continue reading this article

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Opiate withdrawal (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Opiate withdrawal refers to the wide range of symptoms that occur after stopping or dramatically reducing opiate drugs after heavy and prolonged use (several weeks or more. Opiate drugs include heroin, morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, methadone, and others. Reviewer: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/22/2008
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Nicotine withdrawal (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Nicotine withdrawal involves irritability, headache, and craving. These symptoms happen with the sudden stopping or reduction of smoking (or other tobacco use) by a nicotine-dependent individual. See smoking - tips on how to quit and smoking hazards. Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/17/2006).Date: 04/03/2007
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Alcohol withdrawal (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Alcohol withdrawal refers to symptoms that may occur when a person who has been drinking too much alcohol every day suddenly stops drinking alcohol. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/18/2007
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Cocaine withdrawal (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cocaine withdrawal occurs when a heavy cocaine user cuts down or quits taking the drug. Reviewer: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/22/2008
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Cancer (2 Videos) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells. Reviewer: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 09/11/2006
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Contraception - A Basic Human Right. in Fruit of the Womb - 1 year 146 days ago

I looked her squarely in the eye and told her that I have spent the last 28 years of my life caring about women and their babies and if we had a government... Email  |  Save

Birth Control in Middle School. in Teen Health 411 - 354 days ago

The Portland (Maine) school board and Division of Public Health are allowing King Middle School students to get sexually transmitted infection testing. If ... Email  |  Save

Hormonal Contraception and HIV Risk. in Teen Health 411 - 1 year 290 days ago

) released a press release 12/7/06 saying that the results of a large study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health report that "hormonal contrac... Email  |  Save