Factors to consider when selecting a birth control method

If you want to avoid pregnancy, it's recommended that you get objective, accurate, up-to-date information on all available birth control methods before you make a decision about which one to use. To make an appointment to discuss birth control and to be evaluated by a UHS healthcare provider for those methods that require a prescription, call the UHS Appointments Line (471-4955). Your provider will evaluate you to see if there are medical reasons why you can't use a particular birth control method and will then support the choice you make among the choices that are medically appropriate for you. If you're not satisfied with the method you choose, you can always change to a different one.

Optimal effectiveness of any birth control method depends upon its correct and consistent use. And the more compatible you are with your method, the more likely you are to use it correctly and consistently. Before choosing a method, ask yourself the following questions:

How well does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Hormonal methods don't reduce your risk of STIs. And methods other than condoms may only minimally do so, if at all. Therefore, condoms should be used for all acts of intercourse when your sexual partner has had a previous partner or when you can't be absolutely sure that your partner does not have an STI -- and being absolutely sure is very difficult.

How important is avoiding pregnancy at this time in your life?

Contraceptive methods differ in effectiveness if they're used perfectly as well as varying in effectiveness if they're used as most "typical" users do. If pregnancy prevention is very important to you, you'll probably want to consider a method with both high perfect and typical use effectiveness rates.

Will a particular method "fit" with your lifestyle, personal characteristics and your sexual circumstances and aesthetics?

• Will you be able to either negotiate the use of condoms or make a decision to abstain?
• Do you have a comfortable level of communication and trust with your partner?
• Does your partner support the use of a particular contraceptive method?
• Will you both be willing and able to stop lovemaking to insert or put on your method before intercourse?
• Are you comfortable touching yourself to insert vaginal contraceptive methods?
• Can you remember to take a pill daily? Do you have an alarm on a cell phone or PDA to help you with this?
• Can you organize yourself to remember when to change a contraceptive patch or vaginal ring or when to return for your next Depo Provera shot?
• Are you comfortable with the potential side effects of some methods?
• Can you afford a particular method?

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and cost of each is important to your decision-making. Ultimately, the best method will be the one with which you and your partner are comfortable and will use correctly each and every time you have intercourse.