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Step 1
Consider how long-term your birth control needs to be. You can get one that lasts for the rest of your life, such as sterilization, or one-time birth control, such as condoms. You'll want a varying level of permanence depending on your desire for children and the status of your relationships.
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Step 2
Decide whether you need protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some methods of birth control, such as condoms, protect against STDs and pregnancy. If you're unsure about your partner, use a condom, even if you have another method of birth control.
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Step 3
Think about your future fertility. Some methods of birth control have aftereffects that can make it hard to conceive in the future. If you want to have a baby at a very specific point in the time, a quickly reversible, non-hormonal method like a copper IUD or a diaphragm, uterine cap, or condom may be the best choice.
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Step 4
Choose between hormonal methods and non-hormonal methods. Hormonal methods of birth control, such as the birth-control pill, shot, and ring, are effective but can have emotional and physical side effects of varying strength. Non-hormonal methods may be less effective or have different side effects.
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Step 5
Think about how much effort you want to put into your birth control. Some methods require proper setup to maximize the result. Condoms need to be rolled on, diaphragms and other pessaries inserted into the vagina, and pills taken at the right time of day. If you're willing to remember to use these methods properly, they might be right for you. Otherwise, you'll want a method that you can "set and forget," like a hormonal shot, patch or ring, or an IUD.
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Step 6
Take cost into consideration. Some forms of birth control are more expensive than others. If a contraceptive needs to be inserted or fitted, it may cost more up-front but last longer. If you have health insurance, check out what kinds of birth control are covered. If you don't have health insurance, speak with your doctor or consider a low-cost clinic.
