Birth Control: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Birth Control?
A gynecologist, a doctor who cares for the female reproductive system, or a primary care doctor can help you choose a method. Some methods, such as condoms, can be bought without a prescription. A surgeon does sterilization, which is permanent birth control. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Birth control, also called contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. Some types are reversible, while others are permanent. The FDA lists permanent sterilization, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), the shot, short-acting hormonal methods, a software app, barrier methods, and emergency contraception. A LARC is a method that lasts for several years.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Birth control is for people who do not want to get pregnant. No one method is best for everyone.
How to prepare
Before you choose a method, talk to your doctor or nurse. Say whether you want to get pregnant soon, in a few years, or never. Also tell your provider if you:
- Smoke
- Have liver disease
- Have blood clots or have had a stroke or heart attack
- Take other medicines or herbal products
What happens during it
- The pill is swallowed every day, whether or not you have sex.
- For the patch, you put on a new one once a week for 3 weeks. You skip the fourth week.
- The ring stays in the vagina for 3 weeks and then comes out for 1 week.
- A provider gives the shot every 3 months.
- A provider puts an intrauterine device (IUD), a T-shaped device, into the uterus.
- For the implant, a provider uses numbing medicine and then places a thin rod under the skin of your arm.
- Women who have sterilization surgery get general anesthesia, medicine that puts you to sleep.
- Condoms are used each time you have sex.
Recovery
After women's sterilization surgery, there may be pain during recovery for up to 2 weeks. After a vasectomy, it takes about three months to clear sperm from the body. Use another form of birth control until a test shows no sperm in the semen. A copper IUD can cause cramps for a few days after it is put in. A health care professional removes an IUD or implant so you can get pregnant.
Risks and side effects
The combined pill can cause breast tenderness, headache, nausea, and spotting or bleeding between periods. Rarely, some women who take the pill have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. Less common IUD risks include pelvic inflammatory disease (a pelvic infection), and the IUD slipping out or going through the uterus wall. The shot can cause bone loss with long-term use. Sterilization surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and pain. The pill, patch, ring, shot, and IUD do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infections passed during sex. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
You need a prescription from a health care provider for the patch and the ring. The pill also needs one, but in some states the pharmacy can give it to you without one. A surgeon does sterilization surgery.
Common questions
Does birth control protect against sexually transmitted infections?
Only male and female condoms do, and they cannot give absolute protection. They reduce the risk of some STIs. Other methods, such as the pill, do not protect against STIs.
What if I miss a birth control pill?
Follow the instructions that came with your birth control about using a backup method, such as a condom. If you miss more than two combined pills, you could become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after you restart.
Is emergency contraception regular birth control?
No, emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. It can be used after unprotected sex or if a condom breaks. One type is a copper IUD that a provider puts in within 120 hours. The other is emergency contraceptive pills, which you take as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Your doctor can help you decide which type is best for you right now. Sterilization is surgery, so a surgeon would do it.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Birth Control
- Office on Women's Health - Birth control methods
- MedlinePlus - Birth Control
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
