How to Select from Different Types of Birth Control

Different types of birth control pop on the market every year. The pill, the patch, the shot, the IUD, the morning after pill, and the nova ring. Deciding which type of birth control is right for you can be challenging. This article was designed to help you sift through the various types of birth control and choose one that feels right to you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide if you can remember a daily pill or a weekly patch. If so, two of the best options are the birth control pill and the patch. Different types of birth control require different responsibilities. The pill and the patch are extremely affective, but they do require daily pill swallowing (for the pill) and weekly patch placement (for the patch).

2. Decide if you want children in the near future. If not, the Depo-Provera or an IUD could be for you. These are both done at the doctor's office. Depo-Provera is a hormone shot and the IUD is a small plastic object that is inserted into your vagina and implanted in the uterus. They are different types of birth control that both prevent pregnancy years. In fact, the IUD is effective for 5 years. Depo-Provera could prevent pregnancy for up to a year or 2 so be sure you don't want children soon.

3. Think about your smoking habits. If you smoke, you should not take hormonal types of birth control such as the pill, the patch, or the shot. You should search for different types of birth control. Especially if you are over the age of 35, smoking can increase your chances of negative cardiovascular side affects, if taken with hormonal birth control.

4. Use a condom or a diaphragm if you are worried about taking hormonal birth control. There are many different types of birth control that do not include hormones. Although hormonal birth control dominates the market, condoms and diaphragm usage are affective as well.

5. Consider the morning after pill as your last alternative if different types of birth control have failed. You must have a prescription for this pill, but it is not the abortion pill. If you are already pregnant it will not effect your pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a condom, make sure to pull out right after ejaculation. In fact, the best method is to pull out immediately before ejaculation.
• Never count on hormonal birth control to protect you from STD's. Use a condom if you need STD protection.

[ladypoe]

on 9/16/2008 Good info. However, I am a smoker over the age of 35 with a history of heart attack and a blood clot. I also have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for years. I was wondering what sort of non hormonal birth control methods I could use.

[acole]

on 8/5/2008 Good info. Thanks!