Having sex is about making choices.

Finally, you might choose to have sex in the safest way.

Types of Birth Control

Which Birth Control Method Is Right for You?

A woman putting on a contraceptive patch

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With so many options,choosing birth control methodsmay be hard.

Here are the top questions to ask yourself when making this decision.

How Important Is Ease of Use and Convenience?

Vaginal ring, intra-uterine device, contraceptive implant and pills

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Likewise, some methods are also easier to understand.

How Comfortable Would You Be Using a Particular Birth Control Method?

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Consider your comfort level when choosing abirth control method.

Midsection Of Man Holding Condom

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It’s important to be honest about your feelings regarding these issues.

Will the Contraceptive Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Keep in mind that an external condoms should never be used at the same time as an internal condom.

Serious doctor talks with young adult patient

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Also, there is no advantage to wearing two condoms rather than just using one to prevent pregnancy.

Nonoxynol 9 spermicide actually increases risk of HIV, so avoid this.

Do You Want to Have a Biological Child in the Future?

Teenage girl discussing birth control pills with gynecologist

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it’s crucial that you decide if you want a permanent or temporary birth control method.

Whether or not you wish to conceive any (or more) children can help in this decision.

If you are unsure about the future, consider a temporary method.

Woman holding home pregnancy test and looking worried

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How Effective Do You Want Your Birth Control Method to Be?

Effectiveness rates are usually provided as a typical use rate and a perfect use rate.

Normally, methods that require less for you to do tend to havelower failure rates.

Woman holding birth control pills

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How Would an Unplanned Pregnancy Affect Your Life?

Do You Have Health Factors That Might Limit Your Choice of Contraceptive?

To be safe, before beginning any contraceptive, always talk with your healthcare provider first.

Dctor examining pregnant patient’s belly

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These situations also could help determine the safest option for you to choose.

Educate yourself about potential health factors and how STDs might factor into your decision.

What Are Your Religious and Moral Values?

Man in the pharmacy about to deliver a prescription

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These methods usually receive less attention, but do not rule them out until you have done some research.

Although considered a natural method, yo note thatwithdrawalis not a very effective birth control choice.

How Much Will the Birth Control Method Cost?

gloved hand holding an IUD

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Various costs are associated with each pop in of contraceptive.

Additional cost considerations are often overlooked.

Are You Looking for a Contraceptive That Offers Additional Benefits?

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Birth control prevents unwanted pregnancies.

The medical risks of pregnancy and delivery are generally much higher than the risks of using any contraceptive.

Some birth control methods provide health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy.

Examples include:

Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives.

Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk.

Contraception: How Effective Are Birth Control Methods?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.