Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is usually produced during pregnancy. But some types of cancer can also cause high levels of hCG. The amount of hCG may be measured in blood or urine to see if a woman is pregnant. The test also may be done as part of a screening test for birth defects. High levels of…
What is a female condom? Condoms can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and they can be used to prevent pregnancy. The female condom is a tube of soft plastic (polyurethane) that has a closed end. Each end has a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the woman’s vagina over…
A tubal ligation (“having your tubes tied”) is a type of surgery for women that permanently prevents pregnancy (sterilization). During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are closed or removed to prevent fertilization; this blocks the sperms’ path to the egg. The fallopian tubes can be cut, clamped closed, or tied…
The skin (transdermal) patch is a highly effective method of birth control when it is used exactly as directed. The patch failure rate is the same as that of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about what day to start using the patch. It is usually recommended that the first patch be placed on the first day of your…
Home pregnancy tests can find the presence of a pregnancy hormone (called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG) in a sample of urine. High levels of hCG are made during pregnancy. The home tests have similar results to the pregnancy tests done on urine in most doctors’ offices if they are used exactly as instructed…