What Birth Control is Right For You?

More couples every year are making the decision to not have children. The reasons vary-some people are choosing their careers over kids, others feel that they are not financially stable, and some people are just choosing to enjoy their partners and forgo a family. Whatever the reason may be, if a woman is not going to have children she needs to make sure that she is using a proper firm of birth control.

The first and most popular option is the birth control pill. This pill is available by prescription and is to be taken every day at the same time for 21 days. The woman will then go off of the pill for 7 days and resume all over again. The pill contains estrogen and progestin which work together to prevent pregnancy at a 99% rate of effectiveness if taken properly. If you have trouble remembering to take the pill every day, there is also the option of an IUD or Intrauterine Device. An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is wrapped with copper or contains hormones top prevent pregnancy for 5-10 years. Some people with IUDs report side effects such as spotting, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Another less invasive option is a barrier method. This includes condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, gels, and spermicidal foam. These options are usually less effective than other measures but some of them (condoms) protect from STD’s and are easy to use. People in a relationship tend to shy away from these options because they can be a hassle and interfere with lovemaking because they need to be used every time you have sex. Of course, if you are completely certain that you do not want to have children there is also sterilization. Both men and women can go through with this surgical procedure, although it is not always reversible.

Finding a form birth control that works for your lifestyle is important. Keep in mind that only a condom protects from STD’s, but as long as you are in a monogamous, healthy relationship, any of these choices should be fine alone in preventing pregnancy.