How to Choose the Right Birth Control for You

Choosing the type of birth control that is right for you is an important decision to make. It can't be taken lightly. Not only will it involve research and thinking on your part, but it's also about the comfort level on your part.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Choose the Right Birth Control For You

1. Decide what birth-control method you are comfortable with. Some birth-control methods mean that the particular birth control has to be put in and taken out of your vagina. If you are nervous or uncomfortable about doing this, then that type of birth control isn't for you. There is also a method of putting a patch on your body, but some people are uncomfortable with that idea. Another method requires you to take a pill, but some people are so forgetful they would never remember to take the pill on time. There are several other birth-control methods available. Evaluate what you would be comfortable with before you go into the gynecologists office so that you can speak to the doctor about the birth control you are interested in when you go for your appointment. Your lifestyle also has a lot to do with what method you're comfortable in choosing.
2. Think about the amount that you can afford to pay for a birth-control method. Some are more expensive then others.
3. Consider the effectiveness rate of the birth-control method that you are considering. Some have a higher effectiveness rate than others, but no method is 100 percent effective.
4. Evaluate the side effects. Not all birth-control methods have the same side effects, so this is something that you're going to have to research and speak to your doctor about.
5. Do your research on birth-control methods before you go into your gynecologist appointment. Make a list of any questions that you have so when you go, you know exactly what you want to ask ahead of time and you can get all of the answers that you need in order to make a good decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Abstinence is the only method of birth control that is 100 percent effective.
• The safest way to have intercourse is to use both a prescribed birth-control method and a condom.
• Don't think that because you are on a prescribed birth-control method that your partner shouldn't wear a condom. Condoms help reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease.