Learning About Choosing a Birth Control Method

How do you choose the best method of birth control?

Before you choose birth control, you might think about:

How well it works.

• Some types work better than others to prevent pregnancy.
• Think about how important it is for you to not get pregnant.

How easy it is to use.

• Some types are taken daily.
• Other types are used each time you have vaginal sex.
• Others work for years without you having to do anything.
• For some, you'll avoid vaginal sex at certain times.

How much it costs.

• Some types are free in some clinics.
• Other types cost a lot at first but work for years.
• Insurance may cover prescription birth control.

Whether it protects you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Condoms can help protect you.

Whether it uses hormones.

• Some release estrogen and progestin. Some release progestin only.
• There are many choices, such as pills, patches, a ring, or IUDs.

If you want to get pregnant later.

• Some types allow you to get pregnant soon after you stop taking them.
• It may take months to become fertile again after stopping other types.
• Some types are meant to be permanent.

How easy it is to get.

• Some types are placed by a doctor.
• Others need a prescription.
• Some are available over the counter (OTC).

Privacy.

• Some types are easier to keep private.
• Others need to be used often and may be less private.

How it fits into your life.

• Some types interrupt sex.
• After other types are placed, you don't have to do anything.
• For some types, you'll avoid vaginal sex at certain times of your menstrual cycle.

If you have health problems.

• You may not be able to use certain types if you:
  • Smoke.
  • Just had a baby.
  • Have had breast cancer.
• Some types may help with acne or period problems, such as heavy bleeding.