6 Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Birth Control Method

For a variety of reasons, including unreadiness to start a family, need for child spacing or family planning, a lot of women embrace birth control methods. To choose the one that’s best for you considering the array of options available, here are a few important factors you should consider…

1. Level of effectiveness

First, ask your doctor about the several options available, how each work and how effective each is to ensure you settle for a method that is most unlikely to bring any upsetting pregnancy test results down the line.

For instance, the pill is said to be about 99% effective if taken on schedule while IUDs are more than 99% effective. Have your doctor discuss all your options, rating them in this manner.

2. Is It Reversible, and how soon?

Depending on whether you’d still like to have more children in the future or not, as well as how soon after adopting the method you want to conceive, ask your doctor to distinguish effective options for short-term, long-term and permanent or irreversible birth control.

Sexually active women with no intention of conceiving for a very long while or have stopped having children may consider an IUD, while those with baby-making plans for the very near future may opt for an oral contraceptive or a barrier method.

READ ALSO: Birth Control: 7 Options You May Want to Consider

3. STDs/HIV Prevention

If preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is top on your priority list, you should consider opting for the use of condoms in addition to any birth control method you may adopt.

4. Possible side effects/health risks

Ask your doctor about all likely side effects; both short-term and long-term, think about them thoroughly and weigh your options before settling for any birth control method.

For instance, prolonged used of hormone-based contraception is said to increase the risk of breast cancer. Other side effects may include weight gain, nausea, decreased libido and headaches.

Breastfeeding mums and mums with health conditions, including high blood pressure, should also keep their doctor in the loop as these often influences suitable options.

Also, ask your doctor about options that may stop your monthly flow, prolong it or increase menstrual cramps to ensure you’re not opting for a method you’ll soon be running back to change.

READ ALSO: BIRTH CONTROL: 2 Mums Share on What Works For Them

5. Your partner’s involvement/consent

Sometimes, for reasons best known to them, some women prefer options that can be kept private from their spouses. This will also influence your options.

6. Level of convenience and cost

Some options require vagina insertions, others, routine trips to the hospital. If you have a busy schedule and frequent hospital trips would be too much trouble or are uncomfortable with having an insertion, consider other suitable options.

Also, if you are the quite forgetful type, daily birth control pills may not work for you.

In addition, how affordable is the birth control method? Consider this in the long-term and settle for one your pocket can sustain.

Finally, it’s always best to discuss your needs, expectations and concerns thoroughly with your OB/GYN in order to arrive at an informed decision that’s truly best for you.