How to Choose the Right Birth Control Method

If you are considering using a new form of birth control, you have a number of options available to you.  However, it is important to take the time to determine which method is the best for your health and your body before you head to your doctor or Planned Parenthood clinic.

Birth control pills are one of the most common contraceptives available. Some of the newer pills on the market reduce the number of times per year that you have your menstrual cycle, and in some cases, they eliminate your period altogether.  However, researchers have found that birth control pills may cause high blood pressure in some women, or even prolong conceiving once off of the medication.  If you already have high blood pressure, consult your physician to determine if this is a safe birth control method for you.

You can also choose to use monthly or bimonthly hormone shots, which work in much the same way as the pills do.  A birth control patch, usually worn on the arm, does much the same thing.  Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are inserted into the uterus by a doctor, where they prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus wall.  Older women who have already had children can benefit from many of these methods.

Another option is sterilization, which is only an option if you have decided that you will never want to become pregnant in the future.  Both male and female sterilization is possible, through vasectomies and tubal ligation.  Ensure you consider all of the ramifications of this process, as oftentimes such a procedure is irreversible.

When choosing the correct birth control method, it’s important to communicate with your partner on the best options that are the healthiest for you both.