Birth Control (Contraception) for Women

The best way to help protect you from getting a sexually transmitted infection is to make sure your partner uses a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.

However, condoms are not the most reliable way to avoid pregnancy. Many women choose a hormonal contraceptive method if they have an ongoing sexual relationship. Some women prefer not use hormones for birth control.

You should learn about the different methods that will be available to you when the time is right. But first, let's be sure that you don't have a medical reason to avoid hormonal types of birth control.

Of the types of hormonal contraceptives, some contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Others contain only progesterone.

Some women should probably avoid hormonal contraceptives. It's safest to not take hormones if you

-- Have a history of blood clots

-- Have breast cancer

Do you have a history of blood clots or breast cancer?

Yes

No