NDSU Student Health Service
Choices Program

Your Reproductive Health - Choosing the Right Method of Birth Control for You

 

Choosing the Right Birth
Control Method for You

Choosing a birth control method can be confusing. It is important to know what methods are available, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and factors you should consider when making your decision, such as present lifestyle, age, if you smoke, your health, and how often you have sex.

Think about the following issues as you decide which method of birth control is right for you at this time in your life.

How important is the effectiveness of the method in preventing pregnancy? Will this method offer me any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? How does it work? How will it make me feel? Are there any health risks or benefits? Are there any medical reasons why I should not use this method? What responsibility will my partner have in using this method? Am I comfortable sharing this decision with my partner? Will this method affect my periods? Will they be longer? More painful? How soon can I become pregnant after discontinuing this method? Will either my partner or I be embarrassed by this method? How disruptive will it be before and during sex? What is the cost of the method? How easy is it to obtain and how often do I need to see my health care provider? What is the best method of birth control? The best method is the one that you understand, are comfortable with, and will use consistently.

Other Issues

Talk it over
Once you have considered your options, talk with your partner about your decision. Sometimes talking about sexuality and birth control issues can be difficult. Don't wait until you are in the middle of a sexual encounter. Try to pick a time and a location that is comfortable for both of you, where you can talk without hurry or interruption. Sometimes it is easier if you minimize eye contact. You may find if easier to discuss these issues on the phone or during a walk when you are side by side instead of face to face.

Don't forget about STIs
While the primary purpose of any birth control method is preventing pregnancy, many methods can also help protect you and your partner against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. If you or your partner have had any previous sexual contact with another person, you run the risk of a sexually transmitted infection.

Abstinence is the only method that protects you against STIs. Latex and polyurethane condoms will provide some protection against STIs, but they must be used with every act of intercourse and must be placed on the penis before any sexual contact occurs. Many couples use a hormonal method of birth control along with a condom to provide a high level of birth control plus effective protection against STIs.

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