Which Birth Control Method Should You Use?

If you’re a woman – whether in your teens or 40s -- you’ve probably thought about the concept of birth control. And if you’re like me, those thoughts might seem confusing and overwhelming, especially these days. There are more options for birth control than ever before—making it even more challenging to find the perfect option for you. When weighing the pros and cons, ask yourself these five important questions.

Am I forgetful? If you’re the kind of person who constantly misplaces your keys or forgets to take your daily multivitamin, a birth control pill that you have to take at the same time every day may not be ideal. Missing pills could lead to spotting, early menstruation, or even pregnancy.

How sexually active am I? If you have sex infrequently, a barrier method, such as the sponge or a diaphragm, may be more attractive than something that requires paying attention to during those periods of time when you’re not having sex. Sponges and diaphragms are self-inserted before intercourse and removed afterwards, but only the diaphragm is reusable—the sponge must be thrown away.

Am I sensitive to medications? If you have a history of developing nausea, upset stomach, or other troublesome symptoms after taking medicines in the past, birth control methods such as the patch, the shot, or birth control pills with high doses of hormones may not agree with your delicate system.

Am I monogamous? The only birth control method that is proven to be effective in preventing pregnancy consistently is a condom (that doesn’t break). If you aren’t in a committed relationship, a condom should be used each and every time you have sex. For added protection, use with a spermicidal or other form of birth control.

Do I want to have children? If you’re done having children or have decided that you don’t want to have any, consider tubal ligation, a surgical sterilization procedure that will close off the fallopian tubes and keep your eggs from becoming fertilized by sperm.

To find out more about the different methods of birth control and for further assistance in choosing the right one for your needs, it’s best to consult with your gynecologist. And remember, just because you’re using one form of birth control doesn’t mean that you’re immune to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) so if that’s a concern, make sure you’re being safe.