Step1
Research your options. While the pill and condoms may be more popular forms of birth control, there are many options available to both men and women. Surgery may be a more significant form of birth control, but other long-lasting options are small implants that release birth control medication over the course of several years, a device that can be placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, and shorter-term options such as diaphragms, sponges and other over-the-counter options available at most pharmacies. Research these choices and find the one that best suits you and your birth control needs.
Step2
Find time to share the information you've found with your partner and to discuss your opinions on birth control. Have an open discussion about your goals in life, what your plans are regarding children, and listen closely to your partner's views. These goals will help you both to decide which form of birth control is best for you. While it might be difficult or a little scary to start this conversation, it is important that you do so.
Step3
Decide on a form of birth control, and how you will both be responsible for it. Be open in this decision and do not expect that the man or woman alone should be in charge of this.
Step4
Follow up on your decision. Buy the necessary contraceptives, schedule an appointment with your doctors as needed and commit to the decision you made together. The conversation will have done you no good if you do not practice effective birth control.
Step5
Bring it up at a time when you are both feeling comfortable and open with one another, and do not force it when one of you is having a bad day or isn't in the best mood. However, if there never seems to be a "good time" for the talk, you might want to consider whether one or both of you is avoiding it intentionally, in which case it is necessary to discuss your birth control all the more.
Step6
Your partner may not always share your views on birth control, or may be surprised by some of your opinions. Be sure to remain open to different ideas, and do not act judgmental when discussing this very personal and sensitive topic.
Step7
Realize that no matter how logical a particular point may be, birth control and especially surgical forms of birth control can be very emotional things to discuss. Let your partner know that you care by looking him or her in the eye while talking, politely allowing them a fair turn to speak, and by showing real interest in what they have to say.
Step8
When you're done with this important conversation, thank your partner for having the talk and give yourself a pat on the back. You've brought up one of the most intimate and critical conversations any couple can have.
Step9
Revisit the issue from time to time. What worked for you at one point may not work forever, so keep an ongoing dialogue about each person's satisfaction with the birth control you are both using. Do not hesitate to discuss side effects or concerns you may have, as your partner deserves to know about these and will want to help.
