9 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing A Birth Control Method

Some birth control methods are more convenient to use than others. Likewise, some methods are also easier to understand. 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.

2.  How comfortable would I be using a particular birth control method?

Consider your comfort level when choosing a birth control method. If you are not at ease with an option or might not consistently use it (for any reason), that method is unlikely to be reliable for you in the long run.

• 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.

It’s important to be honest about your feelings regarding these issues.

Condoms (both male and female) are the only birth control method that reduces your risk of catching sexually transmitted infections as well as HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). 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 for 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.

4.  Do I want to have more children in the future?

First, you need to decide if you want a permanent or temporary birth control method. Whether or not you wish to conceive any (or more) children can help in this decision. 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, you think it will solve money issues, and/or you believe this option will fix relationship problems.

5.  How effective do I want my birth control method to be?

Though some birth control methods are more reliable than others, no birth control method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy except for abstinence. So, choosing effective birth control is important. In general, permanent methods and some hormonal ones tend to be the most reliable.

Effectiveness rates are usually provided as a typical user 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.

6.  How would an unplanned pregnancy affect my life?

Your answer to this question can also help to point you in the right direction when choosing birth control methods.

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 may feel comfortable using less reliable birth control methods if you have a reliable source of income, and/or are planning to have more children in the future (but would embrace a pregnancy should it happen now).

If you have certain health problems or other risk factors, some birth control methods may not be the safest option for you. Though there could be health issues that might prevent you from using a certain method, these are usually rare.

To be safe, before beginning any contraceptive, always talk with your doctor 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 could also help determine the safest option for you to choose.

8.  How much will the birth control method cost?

Various costs are associated with each type of contraceptive. When choosing birth control methods, keep in mind the following costs (in addition to the actual contraceptive):

• Prescription methods require routine check-ups
• 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)

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.

Some birth control methods provide health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy. Examples include:

• The Pill: may improve acne, and can lessen premenstrual symptoms
• Latex Condoms: these can protect against STD’s 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 may be less frequent or stop altogether, which lowers the risk for anemia.