Each woman choosing a method of birth control has different needs and requirements. Planned Parenthood suggests women learn about each method of birth control to make an informed decision. Factors to consider include lifestyle, personal preference and health history—and remember, as lifestyles and health changes, a different type of birth control may be more appropriate. The most effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy includes oral birth control pills and hormonal injections, as well as vaginal contraceptive rings. Learn the side effects of each method, and discuss your options with a medical professional.
Step 1
Determine why you are choosing birth control. Some women use birth control primarily to prevent pregnancy, while others use birth control for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts and herpes. FamilyDoctor.org recommends condoms for men and women who are not in a monogamous relationship or have had many sexual partners in the past. Condoms, including the female condom, are the only type of birth control to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, according to Planned Parenthood.
Step 2
Consider cost. Some health insurance companies pay for birth control methods while others do not. Ask your insurance company specifically what is and is not covered. Women without insurance may qualify for low-cost birth control methods through Planned Parenthood or state-run programs.
Step 3
Decide if you are okay with using hormonal methods for birth control, such as the birth control pill or vaginal contraceptive ring. Some women choose not to change their natural hormone levels in their body. A possible alternative includes the rhythm method, or natural planning, where a women records her body’s daily temperature and amount of vaginal discharge to establish when ovulation occurs. A woman is most likely to get pregnant four days before and two days after she ovulates. By documenting these body changes, a women can plan when to get pregnant and when to avoid sexual intercourse. There is still a risk pregnancy can occur and this method does not protect against STDs.
Step 4
Ask yourself how often you would like to use the birth control. Using condoms, spermicide or a cervical cap stops sexual foreplay and must be implemented before intercourse begins. Some women may forget to take an oral birth control pill daily. Other methods require regularly scheduled office visits for hormonal injections. Intrauterine devices are expensive, yet offer long-term options for women in a monogamous relationship and who have given birth to one child, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The device is inserted into the uterus and protects against pregnancy for several years. Determine what meets your lifestyle and schedule best.
