Finding the Best Method For You

Sharing warmth and intimacy with your partner is one of the joys of life. A thoughtful decision about birth control can add to that joy. The most effective birth control method is the one that fits your lifestyle and meets your personal and health needs. It's also the one that you and your partner will feel comfortable using each time you have sexual intercourse. Before you choose a method, think through all of these factors. Also, be clear about some common misconceptions about birth control.
 

Factors to Consider

Your lifestyle: Do you have only one sexual partner? More than one? How often do you have intercourse? Do you plan on having children? Knowing the answer to these questions can help you consider the various methods.

Your health: Some forms of birth control may make certain health conditions worse. And some birth control methods carry their own health risks. A complete medical examination can help screen for possible problems.
 

Facts to Know

Here are some facts that may surprise you:

• Breastfeeding is poor protection from pregnancy.
• Birth control is usually necessary for at least 12 months after your periods end when you are in menopause.
• Withdrawal before orgasm is not effective, because semen often escapes before ejaculation.
• Douching after intercourse will not prevent pregnancy.

Thinking Through Your Choices

More choices of birth control are available now than ever before. Today, more couples play an active role in deciding which method best fits their needs. Many couples enjoy sharing the responsibility for birth control. Think about the personal and health considerations for each birth control option, and decide which method you're most likely to use every time.

Personal Considerations

Advantages: Select the method that will be easiest for you and your partner to use and that best fits your personal needs. If you have sexual intercourse often, for instance, you may prefer a method that works around the clock without interruption like the pill, an IUD, or time-release hormones.

Disadvantages: Consider the possible drawbacks of each method. Some, like spermicides, condoms, and natural family planning, can interrupt or postpone lovemaking, which may be unappealing.

Health Considerations

Advantages: Some methods have built-in advantages. Condoms are known to help prevent the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The pill helps regulate the menstrual cycle and in some cases reduces acne.

Disadvantages: Some methods may carry side effects or health risks, so make your choice with the help of your health care professional. But as you consider risks, keep in mind that pregnancy has health risks of its own.
 
 

The Pill

Pregnant women do not release eggs. The pill, an oral contraceptive, works by fooling your body into thinking you're pregnant. When the pill is taken correctly, your ovaries do not produce a mature egg, so fertilization can't take place. There are two types of birth control pills: the 21-day type gives a week off between cycles, while the 28-day type is taken every day. The pill requires a prescription and follow-up visits with your health care professional.

How To Use It

Take the pill at the same time every day so your hormone level remains steady. There are several schedules for beginning the first cycle, so be sure to start taking the pill as directed by your doctor. If you're using a 21-day pack, take one pill daily until the pack is empty, then skip one week before starting a new set. With a 28-day pack, take a pill each day of the cycle. If you miss one or two pills, take them as soon as you remember. Be sure to use a back-up method of birth control for the rest of the cycle, since missing even one pill means you may ovulate. 

Peronal Considerations

Advantages: 

• No interruption in lovemaking and no mess
• Convenient and easy to use
• No special equipment involved
• You only need to refill your monthly supply and remember to take the pill regularly

Disadvantages:

• One of the more expensive forms of birth control
• If your daily schedule is irregular, it may not be convenient to take the pill, which must be taken at the same time each day to ensure steady hormone levels

Health Considerations

Advantages:

• Low pregnancy rate, which means it provides good protection against pregnancy
• Can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles
• Can help reduce acne
• Studies show women taking the pill are at lower risk for certain types of ovarian cysts, uterine cancer and possibly ovarian cancer

Disadvantages:

• Some women experience nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, fatigue and mood swings
• Some antibiotics can make the pill less effective, so another method must be used while antibiotics are taken

Disclaimer: The articles and information, while with the best effort to be accurate and up-to-date, may not be. Also, every physician and medical professional holds their own views on certain diagnosis and advice. There truly are no textbook cases. It is always best to consult with your personal physician regarding medical/health related problems. The information is to be used as a general resource and not as a substitute for trained medical advice and/or treatment.