Which Birth Control Method Is Right for You?
Not getting pregnant requires you to weigh the pros and cons of all birth control methods and to choose an effective birth control that you find comfortable, can use correctly, and will use consistently each time you have sex. With so many options, choosing birth control methods may be hard. Here are the top questions to ask yourself when making this decision.
For example, The Patch (which only needs to be changed once a week) is more convenient than a diaphragm (which needs to be with you and inserted before sex).
On the same note, receiving a Depo-Provera injection every three months is easier to figure out than using a natural family planning method like Standard Days or the Billings Method.
You should honestly evaluate how important these factors are to you and how your birth control method will fit into your lifestyle.
Decide whether or not a particular method may cause irritation or discomfort for you or your partner. Consider how comfortable you are with touching your body. For women, some methods like a diaphragm or NuvaRing require inserting them into your vagina and taking them out. For men, using a condom requires rolling it onto your penis. There are hormonal options available. There are also adhesive options that could be possibly visible. There is birth control that is male-controlled and female-controlled. Females can use a female condom, diaphragm, and sponge. You should also consider if you are needle phobic or procedure phobic.
It’s important to be honest about your feelings regarding these issues.
Remember that, unless you know for sure that your partner has no other sex partners and is free of sexually transmitted diseases, you are at risk of catching an infection.
To protect yourself, use a condom in addition to any other birth control method if you fall under this risk category.
Keep in mind that a male condom should never be used at the same time as a female condom. Also, there is no advantage to wearing two condoms rather than just using one to prevent pregnancy.
Nonoxynol 9 spermicide actually increases risk of HIV, so avoid this. Remember, a condom should never be reused, and natural lambskin condoms not effective for STI prevention (latex and polyurethane are effective).
If you are unsure about the future, consider a temporary method. When choosing one, think about how quickly you can become pregnant after stopping a particular method.
Also, keep in mind that you may regret choosing a permanent method if you are young, if you have few or no children, if you are choosing this method because your partner wants you to, if you think it will solve money issues, or if you believe this option will fix relationship problems.
Effectiveness rates are usually provided as a typical use rate and a perfect use rate. Normally, methods that require less for you to do tend to have lower failure rates.
Carefully consider how effective you want your birth control method to be and at what rate you will feel most comfortable.
It is recommended that you choose a highly effective birth control method:
If you would perceive an unplanned pregnancy as a potentially devastating event If an unintended pregnancy would seriously impact your plans for the future
You might feel comfortable using less reliable birth control methods if you are in a stable relationship, have a reliable source of income, or are planning to have children in the future but would embrace a pregnancy should it happen now.
To be safe, before beginning any contraceptive, always talk with your healthcare provider first.
Another health factor to consider is whether or not you currently have or potentially could have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. These situations also could help determine the safest option for you to choose. Educate yourself about potential health factors and how STDs might factor into your decision.
Couples report that these methods can be a truly rewarding experience once you figure out the technique that best suits you and become accustomed to it. These methods usually receive less attention, but do not rule them out until you have done some research.
Although considered a natural method, please note that withdrawal is not a very effective birth control choice.
Routine check-ups required for prescription methods The insertion and removal of devices like ParaGard IUD and Implanon Treatment for possible complications The cost of emergency contraception if your method fails you. Emergency contraception is not reliable for regular use for contraception.
It is helpful to consider the possibility that some of the higher, one-time costs of certain methods may, over time, be less than the continued costs of buying pills, patches, or condoms. Additional cost considerations are often overlooked.
The Pill: It can reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, can improve acne and lessen premenstrual symptoms. However, it may increase the risks of breast, cervical, and liver cancer. Latex Condoms: They can protect against STDs and HIV. Progestin-Only Methods: Options like Mirena IUD, Depo Provera Injection, and Progestin-Only Pills (the Mini Pill) can relieve cramping and menstrual bleeding. Periods can be less frequent or stop altogether, which lowers the risk for anemia.
