Pregnancy is an exciting time if you want to have a child. If you would rather avoid pregnancy, examine your behaviors and make a plan accordingly. The only way to guarantee you won't get pregnant is to practice abstinence. Various birth control options are available for those who choose to engage in sexual activity. Whether you are in a serious relationship or not, a consistent approach to pregnancy prevention helps you avoid an unexpected pregnancy.
Stay Sober
Alcohol or drugs cloud your judgment and may cause you to make choices you wouldn't normally make while sober. Drinking may lead you to engage in sexual activity in which you might otherwise abstain. The clouded judgment might also cause you not to use birth control, which may result in an unexpected pregnancy. Avoid drug use and limit alcohol consumption to stay in control of your decisions.
Explore Birth Control Options
Condoms and birth control pills are common contraceptive choices, but you can explore other options. If you aren't comfortable with a certain type of birth control, consider others. Choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and personal preferences and use that method consistently. If you don't use contraceptives every time you have sex, you run the risk of an unexpected pregnancy.
Contraceptives generally fall into one of two categories: barrier methods or hormonal methods. Barrier methods block sperm from reaching the egg to prevent fertilization. These options include condoms, diaphragms, sponges and cervical caps. Hormonal options use hormones to avoid ovulation, fertilization or implantation, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These options include pills, patches, IUDs and shots.
Talk to Your Partner
A serious discussion with your partner about sexual activity and birth control ensures you are on the same page. The open communication allows you to establish how you to avoid pregnancy as a couple. Think about your feelings on the subject before the conversation and stay strong when it comes to your values. Don't allow your partner to sway you into not using birth control if it is important to you.
Take Responsibility
The responsibility to avoid pregnancy is ultimately yours. Don't rely on your partner to provide or consistently use birth control methods. When you decide on the best form of contraception for your situation, take it upon yourself to implement the method every time you have sex.
