4 Ways to Compare Birth Control Methods

1. Compare Costs

One of the most immediate ways to compare birth control methods is cost comparison. This will depend much on how sexually active you are. Some birth control options will cost very little day-to-day such as condoms. This is probably the best way to go if you only have sex once in a great while. Some options such as intrauterine devices or implants will cost several hundred dollars up front, but will be the most cost effective over the course of the five years that they last. There are more middle-of-the-road methods like the pill or a diaphragm that you pay for on a month to month basis. Medical insurance might cover some methods.

2. Consider Effectiveness

Effectiveness is often the most important deciding factor when considering birth control methods. The most effective forms are the surgical procedures vasectomy and hysterectomy, but both are nearly permanent. The most effective temporary forms of birth control are intrauterine devices and implants. The least effective form are condoms, spermicidal and behavioral methods. The hormonal methods are all very effective with chance of pregnancy less that 1 in 100.

3. Think About How to Get It

Ease in obtaining the birth control is often a deciding factor among teenagers and young people participating in sex. Condoms are the easiest form of birth control to find, since they are provided by any drug or convenience store and are often passed out in school for free. It's possible to obtain hormonal forms of birth control like the pill or injections through clinics or a doctor's office after a basic physical exam. The pill comes from the pharmacy, while a trip to the doctor every three months is required for an injection. Hospital stays are required for surgical procedures.

4. Determine Your Lifestyle

Lifestyle is a very important factor in choosing a birth control method. Anyone that is not in a monogamous relationship should use condoms as protection against STDs. You should use a condom in addition to more effective forms like the hormonal ones. For those that are past family planning, consider surgical procedures like a vasectomy or hysterectomy. Those that may want pregnancy in the near future should use hormonal forms. For those that wouldn't mind an unplanned pregnancy, use only barrier methods.