Many people would like their birth control method to be as effective as possible. Although abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100 percent effective, there are steps that can be taken to improve the effectiveness of other birth control methods.
Step 1
Do your research. Not only should you examine the average failure rate for all the available birth control methods, but you should also consider which options would be the easiest for you to use correctly. For example, selecting the birth control pill because of its low failure rate is not a wise choice if you don't believe you will be able to consistently remember to take it every day at the same time as is required. Therefore, consider the failure rates and your lifestyle when making your decision on which birth control method or methods to use.
Step 2
Discuss your choice of birth control with your doctor. There may be issues with your medical background or current lifestyle that could interfere with the effectiveness of the method you have selected. Your doctor will discuss your specific situation with you to ensure the method you have chosen is appropriate, and will also inform you if there is anything that needs to be avoided while using the birth control.
Step 3
Follow the instructions exactly. Whether you choose to use the pill, condoms or another method, you need to make certain that you understand how to use the birth control. Do not alter the instructions to make things more convenient or conclude that a part of the instruction is not important and can be skipped. If your birth control method needs to be inserted, such as a diaphragm or cervical cap, make sure it is fitted properly.
Step 4
Consider doubling up your birth control. Using two different methods of birth control simultaneously can increase effectiveness but also may have addition benefits as well. For example, using condoms alongside hormonal birth control choices not only will help increase protection against pregnancy, but will also lower your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Tips and Warnings
- Always have a back up method of birth control available in case you experience any unexpected problems with your main birth control choice.
- Although you can follow steps to increase the effectiveness of your birth control, there will always still be a chance that it will fail.
