Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

New Delhi, Jan 27 () Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Monday reported a consolidated loss of Rs 569.7 crore for the quarter ended December 2019.
 The company had posted a profit of Rs 485.2 crore in the year-ago period, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said in a fiing to BSE.
 The consolidated revenues of the company in the October-December period increased to Rs 4,383.8 crore, over Rs 3,850 crore in the year-ago period, the filing said.
 "The current quarter performance has been good across all our businesses and we achieved strong earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins," the company's Co-Chairman and MD GV Prasad said in a statement.
 The profits were impacted due to trigger-based impairment charge taken on a few products including gNuvaring, he said, adding that the company continues to focus on execution and has made significant progress on quality systems and operational efficiencies.
 The shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories were trading at Rs 3,088.40 a piece on BSE, up 1.99 per cent from the previous close. SID SID ANS
ANS

Dr Reddy's Labs posts Q3 loss at Rs 570 crore

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11910865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="birth-control" source="Orion">birth control</keyword> ring is a small, bendable device that is 93% effective at preventing pregnancy.</li><li>You insert it into your vagina and your body absorbs the hormones through your vaginal wall.</li><li>There are two types of rings: the yearly ring (Annovera) or the monthly ring (<keyword id="12169800" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nuvaring" source="Orion">NuvaRing</keyword>).</li></ul>While birth control pills and IUDs are typically what people think of when it comes to hormonal birth control, other options, such as the vaginal birth control ring, are available as well. Related Article Module: What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectivenessThe ring is a good option for those who don't want to worry about remembering to take a pill everyday, or those who want a type of birth control they can discontinue without seeing their doctor.The ring has a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7% failure rate</a>, meaning it is about 93% effective at preventing pregnancy. Here's how the vaginal birth control ring works, how to use it, and it's benefits and risks. <h2>What is a vaginal birth control ring?</h2>The <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nuvaring/about/pac-20394784" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control ring</a> is a small, bendable silicone ring that you insert into your vagina. It's about <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007555.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two inches wide.</a>The ring contains two hormones that work to prevent pregnancy: estrogen and progestin. Your body <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">absorbs these hormones</a> through your vaginal wall. According to <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/specialists/aileen_gariepy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aileen Gariepy, MD</a>, OB-GYN at <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale Medicine</a> and associate professor at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a>, these hormones can: <ul><li>Prevent ovulation, so no egg is released for sperm to fertilize.</li><li>Thicken the cervical mucus, acting as a physical barrier which prevents sperm from reaching an egg. </li></ul>There are<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604032.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> two types of birth control rings</a> that you can opt for, depending on personal preference:<ul><li>The monthly ring (brand name NuvaRing): You insert the ring into your vagina and keep it in for three weeks, even during sex. On the fourth week, you remove the ring, which results in period-like bleeding. When you remove the ring, you throw it out. At the end of the fourth week, you insert a brand new ring, and the cycle repeats itself. </li><li>The yearly ring (brand name Annovera): The process is the same, however, the ring is reusable. So when you remove your ring at the beginning of the fourth week each month, you don't throw it out. Instead, you wash it with soap and water and store it in a case. At the end of the week, you put the same ring back in.</li></ul>The yearly ring offers the advantage of not having to purchase a new ring each month. And unlike the monthly ring, you don't have to <a href="http://www.contraceptivetechnology.org/latebreakers/scoop-two-new-fda-approved-contraceptive-methods/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refrigerate</a> an unopened package of the yearly ring. However, the yearly ring is also about twice as thick as the monthly ring.Whether you choose the monthly or yearly ring is up to you. It comes down to personal preference and what your insurance covers. The yearly ring is newer, and therefore not as well known, says Gariepy.<h2>How to use a vaginal ring</h2>When it's time to insert your birth control ring, Gariepy says you should follow these steps:<ol><li>Wash your hands. </li><li>Pinch the ring between your thumb and pointer finger.</li><li>With your other hand, spread your labia. </li><li>Insert the ring into the vagina as far as you can. The depth will vary person to person, but it will likely be at least three inches deep. If you need to adjust it, use your pointer finger to slide it into a more comfortable place. </li></ol>"The exact position doesn't affect its effectiveness as long as the whole ring is inside the vagina," says Gariepy. When it's time to take it out, simply wash your hands, and use your fingers to hook onto the ring and pull it out. Throw it out if it's a monthly ring, or clean it and store it if it's a yearly ring.Note: If you use the yearly ring, you should not use silicone-based or oil-based suppositories, gels, creams, or lubricants during use. Using these could alter your exposure to the <a href="https://www.simplehealth.com/faq/what-types-of-lubricants-can-i-use-with-annovera" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hormones</a> in the ring.Remember, the ring should always be left in during those three-week time periods, even while you are having sex. You can have sex during the fourth week when the ring is out, as long as you're comfortable having sex while bleeding. "If you're using the ring consistently and correctly there's no need for additional backup <keyword id="11983360" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="contraception" source="Orion">contraception</keyword> [during the fourth week]. That being said, condoms are always the best protection against STIs," says Gariepy.<h2>Pros of the vaginal ring</h2><ul><li>You can discontinue it yourself: If you don't like the way the ring makes you feel, you can remove it and discontinue it yourself, unlike other birth control methods like an <a href="https://www.insider.com/iud-types" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUD </a>or<a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-implan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> arm implant,</a> which must be removed by your doctor. </li><li>It's quickly reversible: If you decide you do want to get pregnant, you can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nuvaring/about/pac-20394784" target="_blank" rel="noopener">easily return to fertility</a> immediately after discontinuing it.</li><li>You can use it to skip periods: If you want to forgo periods and you use the monthly ring, you can skip the week where the ring is supposed to be removed and just insert the new ring. However, you should discuss this with your doctor first. </li></ul><h2>Cons of the vaginal ring</h2><ul><li>It's not recommended for certain groups of people: It shouldn't be worn by people who can't use estrogen, such as if they have a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nuvaring/about/pac-20394784" target="_blank" rel="noopener">history of migraines with aura or history of blood clots or stroke. </a></li><li>It doesn't protect against STIs: While the ring does protect you from pregnancy, it doesn't provide any protection against STIs. You must <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-should-a-condom-fit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wear a condom </a>during sex if you want protection against STIs. </li><li>It may be felt during sex: Although it won't be painful for either partner, a partner with a penis may be able to feel the ring during sex. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>If you're looking for an easy-to-use hormonal birth control option that you can discontinue at any time, the birth control ring might be a good fit for you. Just remember that it doesn't protect you from STIs, so you should use a condom along with the ring if you need STI protection.As with any type of birth control, it's most effective when used properly, so be sure to follow directions and remember to replace your ring at the right time each month for optimal pregnancy prevention. <a data-type="6041296340f5aa3d37095f57">When does birth control start working? The pill works after 7 days, but other types work faster</a><a data-type="601af98f9614fd15da4b35e7">6 common birth control mistakes you might be making and how to fix them, according to OB-GYNs</a><a data-type="601db473fec9aa27b0365d98">4 unexpected health benefits of going on birth control</a><a data-type="6026fa73d67e4178464c8a7a">7 common birth control myths debunked by OB-GYNs</a>

The birth control ring is an easy-to-use contraceptive that you only have to think about once a month

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In some states, you can get a prescription for <keyword id="11910865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="birth-control" source="Orion">birth control</keyword> online or through a pharmacist.</li><li>Depending on the type, your birth control may be free with insurance.</li></ul>Whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy, <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-birth-control-help-acne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get clear skin</a>, or <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-birth-control-help-with-cramps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relieve period cramps</a>, there are many reasons to consider getting <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/birth-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control</a>. You will need a prescription to get hormonal birth control, including the <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/how-does-birth-control-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pill</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/birth-control-implant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">implant</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/birth-control-shot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shot</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/birth-control-patch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">patch</a>, or <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/what-is-an-iud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUDs</a>. Most people get a prescription by visiting a doctor or going to a local <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> organization like <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Planned Parenthood</a>, but new options are emerging to get birth control directly from a pharmacist or even online.Here's how to get a birth control method that's right for you, whatever your circumstances may be.In the news: The <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-happens-if-roe-v-wade-is-overturned-2022-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade</a>, allowing states to restrict access to abortion. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/birth-control-could-be-banned-if-seen-as-inducing-abortions-experts-2022-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Experts say</a> some forms of birth control, such as the morning-after pill and IUDs, could also be at risk of becoming banned or more difficult to access in certain states. <h2>How to get birth control without insurance</h2>"Depending on where you live, one may be able to access birth control through an online prescriber," says Kate Grindlay Kelly, a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kate-Kelly-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">researcher focusing on reproductive health</a> and birth control access. However, some states don't allow you to get birth control online, so you should check the company's website to make sure it is available in your area. Quick tip: Use Bedsider's searchable database for <a href="https://www.bedsider.org/find-health-care/online-birth-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online birth control</a> to see which options are available in your area. Most health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act cover the cost of birth control and doctor's visits related to birth control. If your insurance does not cover your doctor visit, the cost can range from <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-do-i-get-birth-control-pills" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$35 to $250</a>. If you are buying birth control online, you can typically get it for free with insurance.<a href="https://nwhn.org/much-different-kinds-birth-control-cost-without-insurance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cost estimates</a> from the National Women's Health Network show that without insurance, there is a wide range of costs for different types of birth control:<ul><li>Birth control pills run between $20 and $50 per month.</li><li>NuvaRing costs around $100 per month.</li><li>The Depo shot is $60 and is given every 3 months.</li><li>Birth control implants are over $800 and last for 3 years.</li><li>IUDs come with a range of costs. Mirena and Paragard, for example, cost over $1,000 and last 5 and 10 years, respectively. Whereas Liletta, similar to Mirena, is <a href="https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/liletta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less expensive</a>.</li></ul>Some methods like IUDs have a high starting price but save money over time. Whereas you can purchase birth control pills for a relatively low payment if you don't have health insurance.Along with the price, you'll also need to consider your needs and health history."Health care providers consider a number of factors when deciding what type of birth control to prescribe, including a patient's medical history, blood pressure, and family history," says Kelly.<h2>How to get free birth control</h2>Certain types of birth control are free with health insurance.If you don't have health insurance and your income is low, you can apply for <a href="https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/606" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Medicaid</a> to help cover the costs of birth control.If you don't qualify for Medicaid but still struggle with birth control costs, you can visit Planned Parenthood or a similar organization. You do not need to have insurance to use their services, and they generally charge prices based on your income level.Kelly also recommends a program from Power to Decide called <a href="https://www.bedsider.org/where_to_get_it/bcbenefits/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BCBenefits</a>. This program covers not only the cost of birth control, but other related costs as well, such as taking the day off of work to go to the doctor, transportation, and childcare.Quick tip: For an emergency situation, look into local organizations, such as abortion funds like <a href="https://www.yellowhammerfund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yellowhammer Fund</a> in the Gulf South, that often provide free access to emergency contraceptives.<h2>Where can I pick up my birth control? </h2>If convenience is an important factor for you, you can usually pick up birth control at any local pharmacy or have it mailed to you. But beware of "refusal laws" in certain states. According to the <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/refusing-provide-health-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guttmacher Institute</a>, there are 6 states where pharmacists can refuse to give contraceptives without legal ramifications. They are:<ul><li>Arizona</li><li>Arkansas</li><li>Georgia</li><li>Idaho</li><li>Mississippi</li><li>South Dakota</li></ul><h2>Can I get birth control without a doctor?</h2>There are <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/pharmacist-prescribed-contraceptives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">17 states</a> (plus the District of Columbia) where pharmacists can prescribe birth control. However, some require doctor's visits after a certain period of time, and three of these states allow pharmacists to refuse.You don't need a doctor's prescription for some non-hormonal, over-the-counter birth control options. They include:<ul><li>Male and female <a href="https://www.insider.com/condom-size-how-to-know-right-fit-expert-advice-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">condoms</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/spermicide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spermicide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/sex-relationships/birth-control-sponge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contraceptive sponge</a></li></ul>As far as emergency contraception goes, levonorgestrel morning-after pills, including <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/take-action-pill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take Action</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/how-does-plan-b-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plan B</a>, can be bought over the counter, but if you have health insurance and want them to cover it, <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-care/health-insurance/about-health-insurance/does-health-insurance-cover-sexual-health-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you'll need a prescription</a>. <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/what-is-ella" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ella</a>, a more effective form of emergency contraception, requires a prescription.<h2>How to get emergency contraception</h2><div type="image" title="plan b" height="1060" width="2121" msid="92445391" hostid="261" sizebytes="95108"></div>Without a prescription, prices for emergency contraceptives may vary, but are available at several large retailers. <ul><li>Plan B: available at <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fplan-b-one-step-emergency-contraceptive%2F-%2FA-14847439" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Target</a>, <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cvs.com%2Fshop%2Fplan-b-one-step-emergency-contraceptive-tablet-prodid-876669%3Fskuid%3D876669" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CVS</a>, and <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walgreens.com%2Fstore%2Fc%2Fplan-b-one-step-emergency-contraceptive%2FID%3Dprod6401038-product%3F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walgreens</a>, from $46.99</li><li>Take Action: available at <a style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FTake-Action-Emergency-Contraceptive-Levonorgestrel-1-5Mg%2F481434046" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walmart</a> and <a style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px;" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walgreens.com%2Fstore%2Fc%2Ftake-action-emergency-contraceptive%2FID%3Dprod6388714-product%3F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walgreens</a>, from $34.78</li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>All types of hormonal birth control (except for the hormonal morning-after pill) require a prescription. Some hormonal methods like the pill and NuvaRing can be prescribed online in certain states and picked up at a pharmacy or mailed to your door.For other types of birth control, you'll need to see a healthcare provider, especially if the method requires in-office visits, such as for an IUD insertion or Depo shots.Many insurance plans cover birth control. Without insurance, birth control can cost anywhere from $20 to $1,000. You might be able to get coverage under Medicaid. Some organizations, like Planned Parenthood, will price services based on your income. There are also programs, such as <a href="https://www.bedsider.org/where_to_get_it/bcbenefits/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BCBenefits</a>, that offer financial help with acquiring birth control.If you can't see a doctor, there are several non-hormonal birth control options available over the counter, including condoms, spermicide, and sponges.

How and where to get birth control, no matter your circumstances

<ul><li>A US court has ordered generic drug makers to stop selling a copy of Gilenya in US.</li><li>The annual sales of Gilenya, a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, was about $3.3 billion in 2018.</li><li>The judge pegged the cumulative loss of opportunity on generic drug makers at $50 million.</li></ul> A US court has ordered generic drug makers including Mylan, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, and Torrent Pharma to stop selling a copy of Gilenya, for which Novartis holds the patent. The annual sales of Gilenya, a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, was about $3.3 billion in 2018 and the judge pegged the cumulative loss of opportunity on generic drug makers at $50 million. Novartis has sought to extend its patent on Gilenya beyond 2027, and the deadline to appeal for the extension ends this year. The patent case is still under trial. Double blow The court verdict has come a day after an Indian broking house, India Infoline (IIFL) downgraded Dr Reddy's by a notch. "The company’s market share uptake in Suboxone has been slow, and the key product filings of Nuvaring and Copaxone have also seen some delays," the report said. It has been a double whammy for Aurobindo Pharma too. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has issued a warning letter for one of the company's unit in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. The unit, which manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, was inspected by the American drug regulator in February 2019 after the 'sartan' recall. "Our analysis of 34 WLs and interactions with the company suggest that the facility will be allowed to continue supplying existing molecules. However, future approvals will be withheld until the issues are resolved. There are 12 ANDAs (generic drug applications), including one injectable, pending from Unit 11, of which seven approvals were expected in FY20 and five in FY21. While a majority of these filings are „me too‟ products, there are a few that represent an $10mn+ opportunity annually," a report from SBI Cap Securities said, adding that if the warning escalated to a import ban into the US from the said facility, it could lead to 15% to 20% fall in earnings. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/abbvies-63-billion-mega-deal-for-botox-maker-allergan-is-the-pharma-industrys-latest-bet-that-bigger-is-better-but-the-deal-is-already-facing-big-questions-/articleshow/69945829.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">AbbVie's $63 billion mega-deal for Botox-maker Allergan is the pharma industry's latest bet that bigger is better. But the deal is already facing big questions.</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/donald-trump-on-generic-drugs-indian-pharma-and-katherine-ebans-new-book-with-dinesh-thakur/articleshow/69407566.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">The man who brought Ranbaxy to its knees is pushing for ‘Made in India’ tag on drugs sold in US</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-generic-drugs-risk-rises-for-indian-pharma-after-new-book-launch/articleshow/69332570.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">One chart from a big pharma CEO reveals how drug pricing in the US really works</a>

Mylan, Dr Reddy's, Aurobindo, and Torrent Pharma can't sell generic Gilenya that is patented by Novartis

The least and most effective types of birth control for preventing pregnancy

<ul class="summary-list"><li>If you've used the same <keyword id="48778" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="birth-control">birth control</keyword> method since you started using <keyword id="52340" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="contraception">contraception</keyword>, you might want to re-evaluate if it's working for you, gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd told Insider.</li><li>Painful or heavy periods, conditions like hypertension and high blood pressure, and a recent change in your relationship status are all reasons to consider a different method.</li></ul>Breaking out of your routine or comfort zone can feel scary, but sometimes it's a necessary and helpful step, especially when it comes to your birth control.Research will help you narrow down your options, but trying various birth control methods for 8 to 12 weeks is the most effective way to find the one the best fits your body and <keyword id="15482" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle">lifestyle</keyword>, University of Illinois at Chicago gynecologist <a href="https://www.drjessicashepherd.com/">Dr. Jessica Shepherd</a> told Insider."I think that there's a comfort level when you think of birth control," based on what an individual's parents or education exposed them to, Shepherd said, adding that someone's hesitancy to switch up their routine could also contribute to a lack of experimentation.But there are plenty of reasons you may want to consider trying a new one.<h2>You bleed through tampons</h2>Shepherd said in her experience, undesired period symptoms, like excessive bleeding to the point of consistently soaking through an entire large tampon, are a common reason birth-control users switch methods.For some, the hormones in birth control pills and hormone-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs), like progestin and estrogen, can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279293/#:~:text=Hormonal%20contraceptives%20like%20birth%20control,lessen%20the%20amount%20of%20bleeding.">minimize menstrual bleeding</a>.<h2>Your menstrual cramps are very bad</h2>Painful period cramps could be another symptom-related reason to swap methods, according to Shepherd.Hormone-containing birth control methods including the pill, NuvaRing, some IUDs, and the arm implant can lighten some people's periods, which leads to <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-birth-control-help-with-period-cramps">less menstrual cramping</a>. Others might experience <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-birth-control-help-with-period-cramps">more irregular periods</a> when switching to hormonal methods though, which is why it's important to try a method for 8 to 12 weeks before considering side effects and deciding to move onto something else, Shepherd said.Additionally, ome people with endometriosis, or when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus and causes extreme pelvic cramps, who switched to hormonal IUDs from other birth-control methods <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683134/">reported less debilitating pelvic pain</a>.<h2>You forget to take your daily pill</h2>Your current birth-control method might not mesh well with your habits or current routine, and that's a great reason to consider other methods, said Shepherd.If you forget to take your daily birth control at least once a week, rendering it ineffective, for example, or travel often for work and find it difficult to get a prescription refill when you run out of a month's supply of pills, a more <a href="https://www.insider.com/long-acting-birth-control-options-to-consider-roe-v-wade-2020-10">long-acting option</a> could better suit you, according to Shepherd.<h2>You've been recently diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension</h2>Birth control methods that have both estrogen and progestin, plus some with only estrogen, aren't suited for people with certain <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> conditions, Shepherd said.That's because the hormones in these medications can <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-safe-is-the-birth-control-pill">increase a predisposed person's risk of blood clots, heart attack, liver tumors, and stroke</a>.If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, breast cancer, or blood clots, it's best to use non-hormonal methods like the copper Paragard IUD or progestin-only methods like the arm implant, according to Shepherd.<h2>You just got into a serious relationship</h2>If you've recently gotten into a serious long-term relationship and want a more fool-proof method than condoms or the pill, it could be worth switching to an IUD, implant, or vaginal ring because they all last multiple years, according to Shepherd."If it's someone who is longterm and you both have decided for family planning that that's in the future, but not right now, then that would be a good time to consider something that's long-acting," she said.<h3>Read more <keyword id="10030963" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="insider-sex-ed">Insider Sex Ed</keyword>:</h3><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-ask-for-what-you-want-in-sex-life-2020-9">How to ask for what you want in your sex life</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-have-sex-for-first-time-since-giving-birth-2020-7">How and when to have sex for the first time after giving birth, according to sexual health experts</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-talk-about-stds-with-your-sexual-partner-2020-10">How to talk about STD status with your sexual partner</a>

5 signs you should switch up your birth-control method

Prices are accurate at the time of publication.<ul class="summary-list"><li>Stopping your period with <keyword id="11910865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="birth-control" source="Orion">birth control</keyword> is safe — in fact, you don't ever have a true period on the pill.</li><li>One of the most effective ways to do this is to skip the placebo pills in your birth control pack.</li></ul>Do you feel like your period is getting in the way of you living your best life? Maybe you have extremely painful periods, debilitating PMS, or a disability that makes it hard for you to deal with menstruating. Or, maybe you're simply just annoyed by the inconvenience of monthly bleeding. =Regardless, you don't have to let your period hold you back. It's possible to live a period-free life using birth control to stop your periods. Not to mention, doctors say that this method is safe. Here are five different birth control methods that can be used for stopping your period. <h2>1. Birth control pills</h2><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/combination-birth-control-pills/about/pac-20385282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Combination birth control pills</a> contain both estrogen and progestin (a form of progesterone). These pills are typically packaged in 28-day packs, where there are three weeks of hormones and then a week of pills that contain no active ingredients. When you're on these placebo pills, you get a period — mimicking the cycle that would occur if someone is naturally ovulating, says Dr. <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/find-a-doctor/jonathan-schaffir-md-15978" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonathan Schaffir,</a> an OB-GYN and clinical professor of OB-GYN at <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center</a>. However, just because the pills are packaged this way, it doesn't mean you need to use them in this fashion. Schaffir says if you want to stop your period, you can skip the last row of pills and move on to start a new pack right away so there's no break in hormones. By keeping these hormones stable, you prevent bleeding. There are a few things to keep in mind if you opt for this method:<ul><li>It's best to use combination birth control pills instead of a progestin-only pills, since progestin-only pills don't stabilize the lining of the uterus enough to reliably stop periods, says Dr. <a href="https://www.drkatewhite.com/about-dr-kate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate White</a>, an OB-GYN and associate professor of OB-GYN at <a href="https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/profile/katharine-white/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston University School of Medicine</a> and author of <a href="https://www.drkatewhite.com/yoursexualhealth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Your Sexual Health</a>.</li><li>It's better to use monophasic pills, which means there is the same dose of hormone in each pill, as opposed to triphasic pills which have three different levels of hormones throughout the pack, says white. Check with your doctor to make sure you're using a monophasic pack. </li></ul>Additionally, White says there are some forms of birth control pills that are specifically made for continuous dosing, with 84 active pills. After the 84 pills, there is a week of placebo pills. You can choose to take the placebo pills and have a period once every three months, or skip the placebo pills and go straight into the next pack of 84, says White. Examples of <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this type of pill</a> are:<ul><li>Seasonale</li><li>Seasonique</li><li>Rivelsa</li></ul>There is also one pill that is truly meant to be taken all year long without breaks, called <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amethyst</a>. This birth control does not include any placebo pills. Pros of birth control pills:<ul><li><a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-pill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">91% effective</a> against preventing pregnancy, 99% effective if perfectly used </li><li>Easy to use </li><li>Many options of specific types of pill</li><li>You can discontinue them yourself </li></ul>Cons of birth control pills:<ul><li>You have to remember to take it everyday at the same time</li><li>Not as effective as longer term birth control forms due to human error </li><li>May not be suitable for <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-safe-is-the-birth-control-pill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smokers over the age of 35</a></li><li>May not be suitable for people with a history of:<ul><li>Migraines with aura</li><li>Blood clots</li><li>Stroke </li><li>Heart attack</li><li>Breast cancer</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Liver disease</li><li>Diabetes </li></ul></li><li>May (in rare cases) lead to complications such as:<ul><li>Blood clots</li><li>Heart attack</li><li>Liver tumors</li><li>Stroke </li></ul></li></ul><h2>2. The birth control ring</h2>The <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NuvaRing</a> is a type of contraception that's inserted into your vagina. Similar to the combination pill, the ring contains estrogen and progestin, except instead of ingesting orally, the hormones are absorbed into your body through your vaginal walls. With the traditional use of the NuvaRing, you keep it inserted for three weeks before taking it out for a week-long break, which acts like the placebo row of birth control pills. However, if you want to skip your period with the ring, White says you can take it out after three weeks and then immediately insert a new one without taking a break. <a href="https://www.annovera.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annovera</a> is a different, newer type of ring which is used yearly instead of monthly. This means you don't have to throw it out every month, but you do still have to take it out once a month and clean it. However, White says there hasn't been as much research surrounding using this ring continuously to skip periods, so it's important to talk to your doctor about how to use it in this way.Pros of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-ring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control ring</a>:<ul><li>93% effective at preventing pregnancy </li><li>Easy to use </li><li>You can discontinue it yourself </li></ul>Cons of the birth control ring: <ul><li>Not as effective as longer term birth control forms due to human error </li><li>May cause <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring/birth-control-ring-side-effects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">side effects</a> such as:<ul><li>Irregular bleeding or spotting</li><li>Increased vaginal lubrication</li><li>Sore breasts</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Nausea</li></ul></li><li>May not be suitable for people <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring/how-safe-nuvaring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over the age of 35</a></li><li>May not be suitable for people with a history of:<ul><li>Migraines with aura</li><li>Blood clots</li><li>Stroke </li><li>Heart attack</li><li>Breast cancer </li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Liver disease </li><li>Diabetes </li></ul></li><li>May (in rare cases) lead to complications such as:<ul><li>Blood clots</li><li>Heart attack</li><li>Liver tumors</li><li>Stroke </li></ul></li></ul><h2>3. Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)</h2>If you have an IUD, there's a chance that your period will stop, but it isn't guaranteed, Schaffir says. An <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-an-iud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUD</a> is a small device that your doctor inserts into your uterus. It contains levonorgestrel, a form of progesterone, which acts locally within the uterus. Depending on the specific type of IUD, it can be inserted and left in the uterus for three to seven years. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-an-iud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four types of hormonal IUDs</a> are:<ul><li>Mirena</li><li>Liletta</li><li>Kyleena</li><li>Skyla</li></ul>Of these, Mirena and Liletta contain a higher dose of levonorgestrel, which means that they're more likely to stop your period. If you opt for one of these IUDs, you have a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20%</a> chance of having no period after one year of insertion, and a 30%-50% chance of having no period after two years of insertion. If you use Kyleena, you have a <a href="https://www.kyleena-us.com/getting-kyleena-iud/iud-placement#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12%</a> chance of having no period after a year, and with Sykla, you have a <a href="https://www.skyla-us.com/what-expect#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6.25%</a> chance after a year.Pros of <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-an-iud">IUDs</a>:<ul><li>Can last from three to seven years, depending on the type</li><li>Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy </li></ul>Cons of IUDs:<ul><li>Insertion can be painful</li><li>Must be removed by your doctor</li><li>May cause side effects such as:<ul><li>Irregular bleeding</li><li>Acne</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Mood changes</li><li>Weight changes </li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-safe-is-the-iud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May not be suitable</a> for people who:<ul><li>Currently have an infection</li><li>Have cervical or uterine cancer </li><li>Have recently had a pelvic infection</li></ul></li><li>Comes along with small risk of rare complications including:<ul><li>The IUD falling out of the uterus</li><li>The IUD migrating through the uterus wall </li></ul></li></ul><h2>4. The birth control implant</h2>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-implant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control implant</a> Nexplanon contains a form of progestin called etonogestrel and is inserted under the skin of your arm, where it can stay for up to three years. The etonogestrel is stored in the implant and is slowly and steadily released over the course of time that it's inserted. Schaffir says peoples' experiences will vary with the implant, and while some people may stop having periods, many will have irregular breakthrough bleeding. It's estimated that <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-implant-nexplanon/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-the-birth-control-implant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one out of three people</a> with the implant will stop having a period after one year. Pros of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-implant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control implant</a>:<ul><li>Lasts for up to three years</li><li>Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy</li><li>Initial insertion is quick and easy</li></ul>Cons of the birth control implant:<ul><li>May cause side effects such as:<ul><li>Irregular bleeding</li><li>Acne </li><li>Headaches </li><li>Hair loss </li><li>Nausea </li><li>Loss of libido</li><li>Weight changes</li></ul></li><li>May not be suitable for people with a history of:<ul><li>Blood clots</li><li>Liver disease or tumors</li><li>Undiagnosed irregular bleeding </li><li>Must be removed by your doctor</li></ul></li></ul><h2>5. The birth control shot</h2>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-shot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control shot</a>, Depo-Provera, is another type of progestin-only contraceptive that may or may not stop your periods, depending on the individual, says Schaffir. The shot needs to be administered by a medical professional once every 12 to 14 weeks to keep the hormone levels steady and consistent. After one year of the birth control shot, you have a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50% to 75%</a> chance of having no periods, and the longer you use the shot, the more likely you are to not have periods anymore. Pros of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-shot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control shot</a>:<ul><li>99% effective at preventing pregnancy</li><li>Only four doses necessary a year </li></ul>Cons of the birth control shot: <ul><li>You need to go into your doctor's office to receive the dose</li><li>May cause a delay to fertility after stopping the shot</li><li>May cause side effects such as:</li><ul><li>Bloating</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Weakness</li><li>Fatigue </li><li>Weight gain</li><li>Irregular menstrual bleeding </li></ul><li>May not be suitable for people with medical conditions such as:</li><ul><li>Breast cancer</li><li>Liver disease</li><li>History of heart attack or stroke</li><li>Fragile bones </li><li>Hypothalamic amenorrhea</li></ul></ul><h2>Is stopping your period with birth control safe?</h2>Skipping your periods with birth control is completely safe, says White. In fact, the period that you experience on birth control isn't even a "real" period to begin with. Using hormonal birth control like the pill in a traditional way will result in what's known as a "withdrawal bleed." This is your uterus bleeding in response to the sudden decrease in hormones during your week of placebo pills, White says. When you continuously take birth control and hormonal shifts are evened out, you don't ovulate, the lining of the uterus isn't stimulated, and thus no bleeding takes place. "It's not that the blood 'backs up' in your system, or that you're destined to have a mega-period at some point. The uterine lining never builds up, so it's just not there to bleed and have a period," says White. Keep in mind that with any of these methods, it may take several months or more to experience a stop to your periods while your body adjusts, says Schaffir. Particularly in the beginning, you're likely to experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting, but stick it out for the best results.These changes to your cycle are reversible once you stop taking birth control, and you will be able to have a normal period in the future if you choose.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Stopping your period with birth control is generally considered to be safe. Methods for stopping your period include birth control pills, the birth control ring, an IUD, the birth control implant, and the birth control shot. Each method comes along with its own pros and cons, so discuss your choices with your OB-GYN to determine which is right for you.

You don't have to deal with a period if you don't want to &mdash; how to safely stop your period with birth control

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Common <keyword id="48778" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="birth-control">birth control</keyword> mistakes include missing doses or taking it at different times in the day. </li><li>Birth control should also not be used with certain medications or while smoking. </li><li>To avoid birth control mistakes, talk to your gynecologist about how to use it properly. </li></ul>There are many different contraception methods available to help you avoid unintended pregnancy, but how well they work depends on how you use them. Here are some of the most common birth control mistakes and how to avoid them. <h2>1. You're not taking the pill every day </h2>There are two types of birth control pills - <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/best-birth-control-pill/art-20044807" target="_blank" rel="noopener">combination pills and mini pills</a>. Combination pills contain both progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) and estrogen, while mini pills only contain progestin. Both need to be taken consistently to prevent pregnancy, says <a href="https://www.pandiahealth.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sophia Yen</a>, MD, CEO and co-founder of Pandia <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword>, a birth control delivery service. When used properly, the pill is <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-pill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">99% effective</a>, but that percentage falls when you miss doses, Yen says. If you miss one pill, your risk of pregnancy is still low as long as you take it as soon as you remember. But if you miss two or more pills, Yen recommends using <a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-emergency-contraception-how-to-choose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emergency contraception</a> if you've had sex in the past five day and either abstaining or using a <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/september/do-birth-control-pills-work-when" target="_blank" rel="noopener">backup form of contraception, like a condom, for the next seven days</a>.The dosage of your pill also matters. A 2013 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322904/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review</a> of 26 studies found individuals who missed one to four consecutive pills had a low risk of ovulation overall. However, those on a lower dosage of about 20 mcg of estrogen were more likely to ovulate after missed doses than those on a 30 mcg dosage. Medical term: Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovaries into the uterus. Once ovulation occurs, sperm can fertilize the egg. If you have trouble remembering to take your pill every day, Yen recommends these strategies:<ul><li>Set a daily alarm on your phone.</li><li>Keep pills next to your toothbrush or face wash as a reminder to take them first thing in the morning or before bed. </li><li>Put pills on your bedside table next to a glass of water so you can take one when you wake up.</li></ul><h2>2. You're not taking the pill at the same time every day </h2> When you take your pill also matters. Combination pills don't have to be taken at the same time every day, Yen says, as long as you take them within the same five to six-hour window. For example, if you take your pill at 7 a.m. most days of the week, but not until 10 a.m. on one or two days, you will generally still be protected from pregnancy.The progesterone-only mini-pill, however, has a shorter window and must be taken <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/minipill/about/pac-20388306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">within the same three hours</a> every day for maximum effectiveness. The mini pill contains lower doses of hormones than the combination pill, so taking it at the same time is key to maintaining the hormone levels necessary to prevent pregnancy, Yen says. Setting your pills out in a place where you will see them every day can help you remember to take them. You can also set up automatic reminders with birth control apps or phone alarms.<h2>3. You're taking medication that interferes with birth control </h2>Some medications can interfere with birth control pills and reduce their effectiveness, says <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/maryjane_minkin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mary Minkin</a>, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics at the Yale University School of Medicine. These include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/griseofulvin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20064116?p=1#:~:text=Birth%20control%20pills%20containing%20estrogen,month%20after%20your%20last%20treatment." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Griseofulvin</a>, an antifungal medication used to treat skin infections </li><li><a href="https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1471-0528.15027" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rifampicin</a>, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis</li><li><a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. John's wort,</a> an herbal supplement sometimes used for <a href="http://insidre.com/what-is-depression" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depression</a> and <a href="http://insider.com/what-is-general-anxiety-disorder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety</a></li></ul>Before starting any birth control, talk with your doctor about what medications you are on and update them whenever you start a new medication. If you are on rifampicin temporarily, Minkin recommends using a barrier method like a condom until you are off the antibiotic. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are starting any new antibiotic or medication, to verify that it will not impact your body's ability to metabolize your birth control method.<h2>4. You don't use a condom </h2>Abstaining from sexual activity is the only <a href="https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/family-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100% effective way</a> to avoid unintended pregnancy, and while other contraceptive methods can lower your risk of unintended pregnancy, no method is foolproof. Using a condom in combination with birth control can further protect you from unintended pregnancy, Yen says. <a href="http://insider.com/how-should-a-condom-fit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Condoms</a> also protect against sexually transmitted infections while birth control does not. Yen recommends these tips to remember to use a condom:<ul><li>Carry them with you in your bag.</li><li>Talk openly with your partner about your intention to use one before engaging in sexual activity.</li><li>Store them in your nightstand drawer.</li></ul><h2>5. You're smoking and using contraception</h2><a href="http://insider.com/what-happens-when-you-quit-smoking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smoking</a> tobacco doesn't make birth control less effective, but it can <a href="https://womenscarefl.com/health-library-item/smoking-and-birth-control/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase your risk</a> of <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-blood-clots" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood clots</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-signs-of-a-heart-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heart attacks</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-stroke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stroke</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1756661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">especially if you're older than 35</a>. Research is still emerging on how smoking cannabis may interact with birth control. This is only the case for estrogen-containing birth control options, like combination birth control pills, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control-patch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">patch</a>, or a ring, like the NuvaRing, Minkin says. If you smoke and are using an estrogen-containing form of birth control, you should <a href="http://insider.com/how-does-chantix-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quit smoking</a>, Minkin says, or switch to a progesterone-only form of birth control, like the mini pill or an <a href="http://insider.com/iud-side-effects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUD</a>.Important: If you're struggling to quit smoking and you use hormonal birth control, talk with your doctor to find the best solution for you. Some resources to help you quit smoking include <a href="https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/get-extra-help/free-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smokefree.gov</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Quit Smoking Guide form the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</a><h2>6. You're misapplying the patch </h2>The birth control patch contains estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation but is placed on the skin so your body absorbs these hormones. The patch <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-patch/about/pac-20384553#:~:text=You%20can%20place%20the%20patch,are%20red%2C%20irritated%20or%20cut." target="_blank" rel="noopener">should be applied</a> on dry, clean skin and not in a place where it might be rubbed, like under bra straps, Yen says. Places where the <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-patch/how-do-i-use-birth-control-patch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">patch works best</a> include:<ul><li>Belly</li><li>Upper outer arm </li><li>Buttocks</li><li>Back</li></ul>Your skin must absorb the hormones for it to be effective, and misapplying the patch could mean less absorption, Yen says. If the edges of your patch peel, it is probably applied incorrectly and may fall off. Other common patch mistakes include:<ul><li>Putting it on moisturized skin, which eats away at the adhesive, causing it to fall off, Yen says.</li><li>Not refilling your prescription or changing the patch at the right time. A new patch needs to be applied <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-patch/how-do-i-use-birth-control-patch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">every seven days</a>. </li></ul>Yen recommends these tips to help you remember when to change your patch:<ul><li>Mark patch days on your calendar and change your patch on the same day every week.</li><li>Keep all your replacement patches in the same place so you don't lose them. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway </h2>There are many contraception methods available that lower your risk of unintended pregnancy, but they are only effective when used correctly. If you struggle with remembering to use methods like the pill, patch, or condoms, talk with your doctor about long-acting reversible forms of contraception, like an intrauterine device (IUD) or an implant.<h2>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-birth-control-help-acne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Birth control pills can help treat acne, but some types are better than others</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-diet-for-endometriosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best diet for endometriosis that can help relieve painful symptoms</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-treat-vaginismus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to treat vaginismus through dilation training and counseling</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-pregnant-with-an-iud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can get pregnant with an IUD but it's extremely rare</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-birth-control-expire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How long it takes for condoms, birth control pills, and other types of birth control to expire</a></li></ul>

6 common birth control mistakes you might be making and how to fix them, according to OB-GYNs

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Shayanne Gal/Business InsiderBehind social <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword> outrage directed at CVS was a business dispute between the birth-control company Pill Club and CVS's Caremark unit.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pill-club-fight-with-cvs-caremark-over-reimbursement-for-birth-control-2019-8">viral backlash</a> erupted last week against CVS. The social media conversation framed CVS as a massive corporation bent on obstructing women's access to contraception.</li><li>Behind this social media outrage was a business dispute between the upstart birth-control-delivery company Pill Club and CVS's Caremark unit.</li><li>When CVS moved to change its rates for online pharmacies like Pill Club, the startup <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pill-club-fight-with-cvs-caremark-over-reimbursement-for-birth-control-2019-8">took the disagreement to social media.</a></li><li>The campaign Pill Club engineered with the help of a marketing firm and a controversial physician may have appealed to the politicized outrage over women's health and the actions of big companies that has emerged under President Donald Trump.</li><li>But Pill Club is also one of many companies offering a similar service, and the others are not disputing the new rates. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime?module=article&amp;area=summary">Click here for more BI Prime stories.</a></li></ul>The first <a href="https://twitter.com/minimandel1/status/1161766477072084997">tweet</a> came from Emily Mandel, a recent college grad working as an engineer in Nebraska. Mandel had just moved there and was running out of her prescription for birth control when she tried out a new delivery service for the medication.Called Pill Club, the company she uses is one of a crop of new startups aiming to make it more convenient for <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/contraceptive-use-united-states">millions of American women</a> to buy contraceptives like birth control pills. While Mandel was interacting with Pill Club on Instagram, the company shared information that alarmed her. Pill Club told her that a change from pharmacy giant CVS would make it more costly for women to get birth control delivered, and the startup asked Mandel to help raise awareness, she told Business Insider by phone. The two representatives that Mandel spoke with said her tweet could go viral - and it did. Mandel sent a tweet in the evening of August 14 calling on CVS to take its "hands off my birth control." She noted the medical reasons she takes contraceptives: to avoid ovarian cysts bursting and painful periods. By August 15, Mandel's <a href="https://twitter.com/minimandel1/status/1161766477072084997">post</a> was one of many chastising CVS using the hashtag, #CVSDeniesCare. It, and then another hashtag, #BoycottCVS, trended that day, lifted by the social media accounts of people like the <a href="https://twitter.com/ilyseh/status/1162009446442242053">president of the pro-abortion-rights advocacy group NARAL</a>, social justice writer <a href="https://twitter.com/shaunking/status/1162012314800984066">Shaun King</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/cmclymer/status/1162076654770040832">Charlotte Clymer</a>, a press secretary at the Human Rights Campaign.Mandel has about 180 followers on Twitter, but the video in her Tweet has been watched 542,800 times. The tweet itself got 12,100 likes. <h2>Pill Club initially denied it was involved with the social media uproar</h2>Publicly, Pill Club put out a <a href="https://thepillclub.com/access-matters/cvs-caremark">statement</a> saying, "CVS, don't take away access to birth control." The startup told reporters that CVS was planning to cut its payment rates, while initially denying that it was involved with the social media uproar.It appeared to be a classic tale of an underdog battling a huge incumbent. Pill Club is valued at about $250 million, according to PitchBook, while CVS Health has a market value of about $80 billion. Behind the scenes, the startup was coordinating a campaign, with the help of a marketing firm and the controversial, social-media-famous doctor Eugene Gu, according to two early participants in #CVSDeniesCare.After Business Insider presented the startup with evidence of its involvement, Pill Club confirmed that it "launched this campaign by alerting our patients and allies about CVS's payment changes." Whether Pill Club specifically suggested the hashtag is unclear.Pill Club's efforts to win better reimbursement rates from CVS spawned more than 110,000 mentions across Twitter over the course of 24 hours, according to data compiled by Blast Media, and spread false information about who might be affected and what the stakes were like wildfire. Pill Club had sparked what became a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pill-club-fight-with-cvs-caremark-over-reimbursement-for-birth-control-2019-8?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=topbar&amp;utm_term=desktop&amp;referrer=twitter">viral outrage</a>, focused on access to contraception and women's rights, making CVS just the latest company to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/equinox-soulcycle-face-backlash-over-chairmans-trump-ties-2019-8">face boycott threats</a> in the hyper-politicized era of the Trump administration. That put the pharmacy chain and health insurer in the company of corporations ranging from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/equinox-soulcycle-face-backlash-over-chairmans-trump-ties-2019-8">Equinox and SoulCycle</a> to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-boycott-over-cofounder-bernie-marcus-donald-trump-donation-2019-7">Home Depot</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-boycott-over-cofounder-bernie-marcus-donald-trump-donation-2019-7">Papa John's</a>.Pill Club would not make anyone available to discuss the campaign. In response to a detailed request for comment from Business Insider, the startup sent a statement emphasizing its mission of empowering women through access to reproductive healthcare, and confirmed that it launched the campaign by alerting patients and allies about the CVS payment changes.CVS called Pill Club's accusations "extremely misleading" and "irresponsible" in a statement provided last week, and said they were geared at maximizing the startup's profits.Shannon Coulter, an advocate who has led <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-boycott-retailers-sell-trump-products-2017-1">boycotts of businesses</a> that work with President Donald Trump's family through a movement called <a href="https://grab-your-wallet.com/">Grab Your Wallet</a>, told Business Insider that "I don't know that I believe they're acting out of a concern for our access to birth control. I would have to have ample evidence of that one, and I don't have that yet. I have a lot of marketing messages."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pill-club-fight-with-cvs-caremark-over-reimbursement-for-birth-control-2019-8?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=topbar&amp;utm_term=desktop&amp;referrer=twitter">The strange tale of how a battle between 2 healthcare companies morphed into a viral Twitter backlash against CVS</a><h2>The makings of a viral campaign</h2>Another <a href="https://twitter.com/unapologeticalg/status/1161819475102109697">early tweet</a> about #CVSDeniesCare was sent by Gianna Fine, a marketing coordinator in South Carolina. Like Mandel, she is also a recent Pill Club customer who had been interacting with the startup on Instagram when it asked her to get the word out about CVS, Fine told Business Insider by phone.Customers like Fine and Mandel say they like Pill Club because of its convenience. Instead of going to a doctor's office for a birth control prescription, women can instead go online, share their birth-control preference and list any relevant health concerns.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Courtesy The Pill ClubPill Club mails birth control to its customers in "care packages" that include goodies like sweets and stickers.</div></div></div>That information is then reviewed by a doctor, who decides whether to write a prescription, and the birth control is sent to a customer's front door.Much of the frustration on social media about the Pill Club-CVS dispute comes from that: People on Twitter said that losing access to Pill Club would disproportionately hurt women who can't make it to the pharmacy, like those who live with disabilities or in rural areas. Many Twitter users also suggested that the CVS change would impact other services, with another major birth-control-delivery service, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nurx-ceo-varsha-rao-strategy-after-new-york-times-investigation-2019-5">Nurx</a>, getting explicit mention. A Nurx spokesperson told Business Insider that the company doesn't have anything to share around interruptions with its service.Read more:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nurx-ceo-varsha-rao-strategy-after-new-york-times-investigation-2019-5"> The CEO of $111 million birth control startup Nurx told us how she's charting a new path forward after a scorching New York Times exposé</a>In starting up a social media campaign against CVS, Pill Club had help. Three early posters about #CVSDeniesCare said they had been in touch beforehand with Eugene Gu, a physician who is active about social justice issues on Twitter and has a <a href="https://twitter.com/eugenegu">high-profile platform there</a>, with nearly 300,000 followers, about it. Fine said she was told that Gu was "handling the Twitter side of things."Gu has been accused of abuse and harassment on the Internet, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18147216/eugene-gu-twitter-social-justice-activism-abuse-sexual-assault">according to The Verge</a>. There's also evidence of previous "arrest citations, including filed restraining orders and allegations of domestic violence" against Gu involving an ex-wife, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18147216/eugene-gu-twitter-social-justice-activism-abuse-sexual-assault">The Verge reported</a>. Gu told The Verge that those had been expunged by a judge. Gu did not return Business Insider's detailed requests for comment. Both Mandel and Fine said they had been in touch with a marketing coordinator from Pill Club before posting their viral tweets. According to Mandel, that person was Kimia Kalbasi, a managing director at the marketing and PR firm KKPR.Kalbasi listed Pill Club as a client on her LinkedIn profile last week. After Business Insider sent inquiries to Kalbasi, Pill Club was removed from her profile. Neither Kalbasi nor KKPR responded to requests for comment, including about whether Pill Club was a client of KKPR or whether KKPR was involved in the CVS campaign. <h2>A new model at odds with the established system</h2>Pill Club's model is part of a new, disruptive trend in healthcare towards consumer-friendly online sales of prescription medicine. These new startups usually combine a virtual doctor visit with medication shipped directly to the customer, though unlike Pill Club, many don't take insurance.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/booming-direct-consumer-healthcare-business-2018-10">Investors are betting $660 million that companies that ship Viagra and hair loss pills to your door is the future of medicine -but some doctors are worried</a>Here's what we know of the Pill Club-CVS dispute:<ul><li>Pill Club gets paid for the prescriptions through a patient's health insurance, specifically, by pharmacy-benefit managers like CVS Caremark. </li><li>Companies like CVS Caremark set up agreements to pay a certain amount of money per prescription to pharmacies. They're negotiating those prices on behalf of the health plans and employers footing the bill.</li><li>Companies like Pill Club had been getting paid the same rate as in-person pharmacies. </li><li>But earlier this year, CVS told Pill Club and others that would change, according to a CVS spokesman. Pill Club <a href="https://thepillclub.com/access-matters/cvs-caremark">has said</a> that CVS plans a rate cut.</li></ul>Operating an online pharmacy has been heralded as a cheaper endeavor than operating a retail pharmacy. Online pharmacies can be more efficient, and they don't come with the overhead of keeping a store open and staffed.Because Pill Club and others have such a new approach, "I think it's very likely that the [pharmacy-benefit managers] are trying to figure out what the right reimbursement is for this model," said Dania Palanker, an assistant research professor at Georgetown's Health Policy Institute's Center on Health Insurance Reforms. Palanker called Pill Club's response a "really smart advocacy campaign," aimed at getting the public on its side. But "as someone who has worked in women's health, I'll personally say I just don't like the idea of a company claiming something is an attack on women's health if it's really a financial disagreement between two companies about the financial bottom line of the companies," she said. Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doctors-worry-about-how-startup-hims-prescribes-viagra-online-2019-2">Trendy startup Hims wants to shake up men's health by prescribing generic Viagra online and is nearing a $1 billion valuation. But a move to relax guidelines has raised concerns among some of its doctor partners.</a><h2>How this affects other prescription-delivery companies</h2>No other pharmacy startup contacted by Business Insider was disputing its contract in a manner similar to Pill Club, though some did say they were, or could be, affected by a rate cut."Other pharmacies in our network with similar business models as Pill Club have agreed to the same terms and reimbursement," the CVS spokesman said.Pandia Health, a provider of birth control online, said that it's affected by the changes to reimbursement through the mail-order pharmacy it works with, but could not provide further details because that contract is managed by its pharmacy partner, called <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/truepill-online-pharmacy-api-direct-to-consumer-healthcare-hims-nurx-2019-3">Truepill</a>. Truepill declined to comment about pharmacy-benefit manager contracts.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/truepill-online-pharmacy-api-direct-to-consumer-healthcare-hims-nurx-2019-3">Meet the pharmacy quietly powering hot startups like Hims and Nurx that ship Viagra and birth-control pills straight to your door</a>Simple Health, another birth-control-delivery startup, is on a similar contract with CVS Caremark as Pill Club, said CEO Joel Wishkovsky. He said Simple Health wouldn't turn away Caremark patients even if CVS paid his company less."The dispute surrounding CVS Caremark is about profits for mail-order providers and not actually about access to healthcare," he said in a statement. "We are against using patients as bargaining chips in negotiations and we have not and will not turn away CVS Caremark patients."The financial position of an individual company could also be a major factor here.Payments for birth control are among the lowest in the pharmacy business, and pharmacies typically make money across their whole offering of prescription drugs: some might lose money, while others might be lucrative, pharmacy startups told Business Insider.Because Pill Club's pharmacy is centered around contraception, offering more than 100 brands of the birth control pill and NuvaRing, changes to reimbursement could have a big impact on its overall business. "If you've got a new startup that's trying to figure this out, they may have to take losses on these," Georgetown's Palanker said. "And the question is, can they afford to do that?"<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/digital-health?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_subscription&amp;itm_content=health&amp;itm_campaign=digital-health-3"></a> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mosquitoes-attracted-people-blood-type-beer-scent-2019-8">Why mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

You Searched For "nuvaring" and got 9 results

Dr Reddy's Labs posts Q3 loss at Rs 570 crore

PTI

The birth control ring is an easy-to-use contraceptive that you only have to think about once a month

Ashley Laderer,Lauren Demosth…

How and where to get birth control, no matter your circumstances

Madeline Kennedy,Zoe McDonald

Mylan, Dr Reddy's, Aurobindo, and Torrent Pharma can't sell generic Gilenya that is patented by Novartis

Sriram Iyer

The least and most effective types of birth control for preventing pregnancy

Cassandra Miasnikov,Lauren De…

5 signs you should switch up your birth-control method

Julia Naftulin

You don't have to deal with a period if you don't want to how to safely stop your period with birth control

Ashley Laderer,Lauren Demosth…

6 common birth control mistakes you might be making and how to fix them, according to OB-GYNs

Erin Heger,Olivia P. Myrick

The inside story of how a tiny startup and a controversial Twitter doctor sparked viral internet outrage against CVS

Emma Court,Lydia Ramsey

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides