Birth Control Options:
Few decisions are more personal than what option to choose for birth control. You have a plethora of birth control options before you, but you are the only one who can decide which is right for you. This is also a controversial subject, so you probably have heard numerous opinions about which methods are more acceptable. In reality, they all have pros and cons. You just need to figure out what is most important to you and your partner. Here are some things to consider as you evaluate your birth control options.
1.) How effective do you need it to be?
Other than total abstinence, all birth control methods have some failure rate, but some are obviously higher than others. If your life just can't handle another baby right now, you should choose something that is highly effective such as an IUD, injections, the patch, or the pill. Or, if you are absolutely certain that you do not want any more children, sterilization might be right for you. It virtually has a 100% success rate, and it only requires one simple procedure and then you never have to think about birth control again. However, if you want to have children someday, it is not a good option. A IUD is a highly effective option and is great if you want children someday, just not anytime soon. Certain types can last up to 12 years. However, they cost about $500.00 to put in and to remove, so they aren't recommended for short-term birth control. If you want to start a family soon, you can use barrier methods, pills, or you might try natural family planning.
2.) What health restrictions do you have?
Certain health problems will shrink your pool of options. For example, if you are prone to blood clots, overweight, smoke, or are breastfeeding, hormonal methods are not good options for you. If you are allergic to latex or are prone to infections, barrier methods are definitely off-limits.
3.) Is it realistic for you?
You have probably seen advertisements or heard people rave about the wonders of natural family planning because you can plan your pregnancies without negative side effects or ethical controversy. However, it also requires a very demanding regime. The lifestyle infringement this method requires contributes to its high failure rate. If you can follow the strict guidelines, then it might work for you. However, if you don't realistically have the time and the discipline to keep that close a tab on your menstrual cycle, opt for a different method. The same is true for the pill. For some, remembering to take a pill at the same time every day is no big deal, for others, it's nearly impossible. Remember that just because something is popular, or the "thing to do" doesn't mean that it will work for you. It is better to be realistic and honest about your needs from the get-go rather than trying to do something that does not fit your lifestyle and will get you frustrated in the process.