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WHA Blog

Reproductive health information, explained clearly

Questions about your health don’t always come up during an appointment. They show up later—when something feels off, when you’re weighing a decision or when you just want to understand what’s normal.

The WHA blog is here for that in-between space. You’ll find articles written and reviewed by our clinicians, covering gynecology, pregnancy and overall health. The goal is simple: give you information that’s accurate, understandable and actually useful.

While helpful, these articles are not a substitute for medical care from a licensed professional. Read our medical disclaimer and website terms of use.

 

If I'm on the pill, will I ever be able to get pregnant?
Gary A. Burgoine, MD Oct 23, 2025

If I'm on the pill, will I ever be able to get pregnant?

Let’s bust a birth control myth. A common question WHA providers hear is whether long-term use of hormonal contraceptives—like the birth control pill—affects future fertility. In other words: Can I still get pregnant after using the pill for a long time? This is a reasonable concern. Many people spend much of their reproductive years trying…
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Your life, your decision: talking to your provider about permanent birth control
Dafna S. Lohr, MD Jun 6, 2025

Your life, your decision: talking to your provider about permanent birth control

People should get to choose what happens to their bodies—always. And that includes the decision of whether or not to become pregnant or have children. Parenting is a lifelong commitment with significant physical and emotional demands. And for some, pregnancy can result in lifelong health consequences. These are big decisions that deserve respect, care and…
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IUDs for teens: effectiveness and safety explained
Lisa K. Johnson, MD Dec 8, 2023

IUDs for teens: effectiveness and safety explained

In 2020, about 158,000 babies were born in the U.S. to people between the ages of 15 and 19, the majority of which were unintended pregnancies. While teen birth rates have decreased by 75% between 2020 and their peak of 1991, the U.S. continues to have the highest rates of adolescent pregnancies and births among…
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Hormonal birth control options & how they work
WHA Staff Nov 28, 2023

Hormonal birth control options & how they work

There are more choices for contraception now than ever before. And every option has different benefits, risks and levels of effectiveness. There are options for non-hormonal birth control, long-acting reversible birth control like IUDs and permanent birth control, too. Plus, plenty of birth control myths. Hormonal birth control methods prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones into…
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How to stop your period with birth control
WHA Staff Sep 12, 2023

How to stop your period with birth control

Is it safe to use birth control to stop periods? One of the most common questions we hear from patients is whether or not it is safe to not have periods. Most people are so accustomed to having their menstrual cycle that the idea of not having a monthly period feels strange and unnatural. However,…
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The Truth Behind Five Common Birth Control Myths
WHA Staff Sep 12, 2023

The Truth Behind Five Common Birth Control Myths

“Oh, I would NEVER drive a Honda. My friend’s sister drove a Honda, and the brakes didn’t work well, and she rear-ended a car on the freeway.” “I would NEVER drink coffee. My mom drank coffee, and she had a reaction and got really wired and couldn’t sleep.” These may sound like ridiculous generalizations, but…
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Options for Permanent Birth Control
WHA Staff Aug 9, 2012

Options for Permanent Birth Control

With our series on birth control nearly complete, we have discussed hormonal, non-hormonal, and long-acting reversible methods. Permanent contraception, or sterilization, prevents pregnancy by stopping either the flow of sperm or preventing the egg from moving down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, but it is a…
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Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: IUDs and Implants
WHA Staff Aug 2, 2012

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: IUDs and Implants

So far we have discussed hormonal options for birth control, which release estrogen and/or progestin to prevent pregnancy and non-hormonal methods, which physically or chemically prevent sperm from reaching a woman’s egg. Today’s topic is a category that has gained in popularity over recent years: long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Long-acting reversible methods of birth control are available…
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Non-Hormonal Birth Control: More Options
WHA Staff Jul 26, 2012

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: More Options

Last week we discussed hormonal options for birth control, which release estrogen and/or progestin to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods physically or chemically prevent sperm from reaching a woman’s egg. Some of these methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Male and Female Condoms Condoms are a portable method of birth control that exist for both men…
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Information you can come back to

There’s no single starting point when it comes to women’s health. Some people are looking for answers about a symptom. Others are preparing for a visit, or trying to make sense of a diagnosis.

Our blog brings together perspectives from WHA providers to help you sort through those moments. The content is grounded in clinical experience, but written for real life—so it’s easier to connect what you’re reading to what you’re feeling.

By exploring our blog, you can:

  • Get a clearer understanding of symptoms and conditions
  • Learn what your options may look like
  • Find information that reflects different life stages
  • Feel more prepared going into a visit

Whether you’re here with a specific question or just trying to get oriented, this is a place to start.

FAQs

What topics are covered in the WHA blog?

You’ll find articles on gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum care, reproductive health and general wellness, all developed with input from WHA providers.

Is this medical advice?

No. This content is for general education and isn’t a substitute for care from your provider.

Who writes the articles?

Content is created in collaboration with WHA clinicians and reflects their experience caring for patients across different stages of life.

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