So many birth control options to choose from, which do I choose?

Question

I currently don't have a steady partner, but I may in the near future.
Which option should I choose?

Answer 1

Ive always felt safe when my partner, whoever she may be, is on the pill and we use a condon combo, especially if you've only just met. Ten years of multiple partners and no babies, woohoo!

Answer 2

Personally, I've had really good luck with the NuvaRing. It's nice that unlike the pill, you don't have to remember to take it every day: you just put it in for 3 weeks, and take it out the week you get your period. I'd recommend what others have said: the pill/ring/shot and condom combo. That way, you have really good protection against pregnancy (99% for hormonal treatment when used correctly), and protection against STD's from the condoms. That's really really important especially if you may be with multiple partners. As for people saying condoms only, I'd have to disagree. I've broken condoms before, as has pretty much everyone I know who has had sex. I think the clincher for me was having to go to CVS and buy a pregnancy test for my friend. Even though it wasn't even me who might have been pregnant, I was petrified. I'd say talk to your gyno about the different options. In terms of hormonal options (the pill, the ring, the shot), they each have ups and downs.

The pill, for instance, needs to be taken at the same time every day to remain effective. The pill has been in use the longest of the methods, and has a good track record. Some people experience more side effects (pms-like symptoms, etc) at the beginning, do to the fact that the hormones are circulated through your bloodstream.

The ring has the advantage of being a monthly thing. However, some people say it makes them uncomfortable to put it directly in their vagina. [It is similar to an ob tampon.] It also dispurses most of the hormones directly to your reproductive organs, less in your bloodstream, and therefore causes fewer and milder side effecs.

The shot is usually only every 3 months, which is nice. It has similar symptoms as the pill, and some people report some tenderness at the injection site. This one's probably not for you if you're not into shots.

All hormonal options have the advantage of making your periods lighter, more regular, and less crampy. A few months in you may even notice your skin clearing up if you have acne. One downside is that the hormones can make you want to eat more, which can cause weight gain. However, if you monitor your food intake, you should be fine.

Condoms are the best way to prevent STD's short of abstinence, but as birth control they can expire, break, or degrade do to use of oil based lubricants. Personally, I don't like to leave the fate of me having a baby in the hands of whoever I'm sleeping with.

Abstinence is all well and good, and I'm sure you'll hear it again and again, but I believe that if you're mature enough to make plans ahead of time (birth control), there's no reason you should enjoy safe sex.

Answer 3

As a healthcare provider this question is not as clear cut as it seems. It depends on your health history, your lifestyle, ect. And truthfully, there is not an abundance of options. Read about all of them and you can make a more informed decision. Additionally, each option could have an individual effect for you. What the pill does to one person may not be your experience at all (which is sometimes the problem with asking other people's advice) And you may need to try several options before you find one that best works for you. Not a real clear cut answer is it? Unfortunately, that's most of medical science...it's alot more gray than black and white.

Answer 4

I would use birth control pills. I take Mircette, but of course you may find another kind you like better. It's just a really good backup to condoms (or no condoms) and other methods. You should probably be on the pill, if you choose that option, at least 2 months before you have intercourse to ensure it's in your system. You don't have to wait that long, but its more reliable. Remember nothing is 100% safe.

Answer 5

I use the depo shot....I like it because you don't have periods......and u can stop at any time u like......I have never had any problem with it...all u do is go in once every 3 months and get a shot in u'r arm or hip (I recommend the hip, doesn't hurt as much). and of course the dreadful yearly pap....That's what I recommend...good luck

Answer 6

all i can say is read all the side effects.. i thought i had read on up on the ring.. 2 weeks into i had this awful hormonal surge that i took out on everyone around me..

i checked into it some more.. dug deeper and found out that.. LOTS of women were having they same problems.. some even having thoughts of suicde...

thats something that isnt wrote on the package.. and your doc dont warn you about..

Answer 7

In your case the best birth control device comes free; it's your face!

Answer 8

just use condoms..they are safe and you won't have side effects from dumping chemicals in your system..don't buy the cheap brand ..as they break more often...

Answer 9

hmm, how about abstinence, but condoms work fine

Answer 10

ABSTINENCE