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Birth control pills work by either keeping eggs from leaving the ovaries or making cervical mucus thicker which keeps sperm from travelling to the eggs. There are several different brands your health care provider can recommend one that is best for your health and sexual activity.  Discuss side effects and risks associated with any birth control you are prescribed. For example, women over 35 who smoke are more susceptible to blood clots when they take birth control pills. Birth control pills require you to diligently take the medication at the same time, every day. A missed dose could potentially increase the likelihood of pregnancies if sex is engaged in the period it is missed. The birth control shot, or Depo-Provera, is an injection of synthetic hormones that protects you from pregnancy. You will need to get a shot every 12 weeks.  Depo-Provera releases a hormone called progestin which prevents the body from releasing eggs into the uterus and thickening the cervix mucus wall to prevent sperm from travelling. Always discuss health risks and side effects whenever you decide to take birth control. Dubbed as the Morning-After Pill, emergency contraceptives work by preventing eggs from being released from the ovary for longer than usual. This ensures that any rogue sperm dies off or is expelled from your body. These are most effective when used within 3 days of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception cannot be used as a regular way to prevent pregnancy.  Purchase emergency contraception in pill form over the counter at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter emergency contraception comes in 1 pill dose of Levonorgestrel (called Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, After Pill, Take Action, and My Way). Take the pill as directed. A 2-pill dose of emergency contraception requires a prescription.  Another type of emergency contraception is a copper intrauterine device (IUD). It’s a T-shaped device that is inserted in the uterus by a healthcare provider. This form of emergency contraception can be used up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
Talk to your doctor about a prescription for birth control pills. Ask for a birth control shot. Use an emergency contraceptive if your primary method of birth control does not work.